the false god of self
“Yet you are a man, and not a god, however you may think yourself like a god.” —Ezekiel 28:2
For what are you taking credit? Do you think you’re so smart? Do you think that “by your wisdom and your intelligence you have made riches for yourself”? (Ez 28:4) Do you believe that you have gotten where you are primarily because of your hard work? Do you think: “Our own hand won the victory; the Lord had nothing to do with it”? (Dt 32:27)
“Who confers any distinction on you? Name something you have that you have not received. If, then, you have received it, why are you boasting as if it were your own?” (1 Cor 4:7) “I repeat, it is owing to His favor that salvation is yours through faith. This is not your own doing, it is God’s gift; neither is it a reward for anything you have accomplished, so let no one pride himself on it” (Eph 2:8-9). “Instead of saying, ‘If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that,’ all you can do is make arrogant and pretentious claims. All such boasting is reprehensible” (Jas 4:15-16). “Let him who would boast, boast in the Lord” (1 Cor 1:31; 2 Cor 10:17).
Prayer: Father, may I humble myself and be exalted by you (Mt 23:12; cf 1 Cor 1:27).
Promise: “Everyone who has given up home, brothers or sisters, father or mother, wife or children or property for My sake will receive many times as much and inherit everlasting life.” —Mt 19:29
Praise: St. Bernard was an advisor to Popes, preacher, healer, reformer, scripture scholar, and theologian. However, he preferred the monastic life to these.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Pride and Faith, listen to, download or order our AV 64-1 or DVD 64 on our website.)
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