My yearbook photo bears the caption, It’s my life!
I must have said that often because everyone’s photo had some tagline describing each of us. Looking back, I shudder at the arrogant, headstrong young woman I was. I did not know the depth of my ignorance then. No, I held high my diploma, which said I was ready to take on the world. I gazed out the window from my sixth-floor dormitory and admired the city below—its lights sparkling in the night.
We meet Eve in Genesis 3:6. In her mind, she was like me, queen of all she surveyed. A tree full of good food and more wisdom. With more knowledge, what could she not accomplish? Arrogant, headstrong, and prideful—like someone I know all too well.
When I read the Bible, I sometimes wonder how people could have been so stupid. Yet in the next moment, I realize I’m no different. My foolishness just wears another garb, but pride, with its self-will, lies behind the same sin Eve committed.
I may think I’m doing God’s work, but is it His will or my idea I dressed up as His? Am I puffed up, seeking to outperform myself or to do the task He set before me as best as possible?
That fruit from the Tree of Life comes in several varieties, but lurking in each is the sin of pride. I must learn to stop before I act and pray that I am doing God’s will, not mine disguised as His.
Ask God to shine His Spirit on you so you can discern His will above yours. Make sure your thoughts, words, and deeds proceed from your character alone.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and fotografierende.)
Susan LeDoux writes from Rochester, New York. Besides devotionals, she writes for various ministries, and blogs weekly from her website, www.sueledoux.us. Her debut novel about redemption, The Divine Meddler, is now available, with more on the horizon.