Scripture Reading:

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then
sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with
others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your
own life” (Galatians 6:4-6, MSG).

Devotion:

“What a wonderful dinner that was! I can’t recall a more satisfying meal.” These are the words I offered my wife, Cathy, at the conclusion of Thanksgiving dinner last Thursday.

 

Cathy’s response was straightforward, but humble. “Geez, it was good, wasn’t it?” The words had no sooner passed her lips when she recanted, “Oh, what an arrogant thing to say.”

 

I disagreed. So, too, did Paul. In fact, Paul encouraged all Jesus followers to do their “creative best” in every activity they undertake and take pride in their accomplishments.

 

To be certain, Paul distinguishes “being impressed with yourself” with having a healthy sense of pride for a job well done. The job can be anything from cutting the grass to writing a lesson plan to setting up the Christmas tree. Feeling good about your efforts is not just permitted but encouraged by God.

 

Conversely, false pride isn’t pride at all. Just the opposite. People who possess a false sense of pride suffer from a poor sense of esteem. They ironically will praise others for their successes, but they cannot applaud themselves.

 

What’s more is that insecure people often view others as a rival. They make frequent comparisons. They try and “one up” others as their competitors. Yet the goal isn’t to win in order to feel like somebody.

 

Rather, healthy pride’s success can be realized even when there is no one else around to watch. Our goal always is to play to an audience of One. A Divine pat on the back is worth more than stadium filled with adoring fans.

 

So, to all of you who fix our cars or sell our stock or deliver our mail or prepare our meal, hear the words of the Master: “Well done, my faithful servant!” Frankly, I can’t eat another bite.