“We all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way, and the Lord has laid on Him (Jesus Christ) the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) Self-reliance that radiates self-righteousness isn’t Christianity. It’s pride.
Do you trust in and rely on your own effort and the false belief that you are a good person? (Romans 3:23) Or do you continually trust in and rely on Christ living and working both within and through you? (Colossians 1:27)
The Bible says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) People who are proud of their religion are actually being resisted by God, not favored by Him.
God is looking for people with humble hearts. (1 Peter 5:6) Jesus said that God has hidden spiritual things from “the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.” (Luke 10:21)
True Christ-followers do more than merely believe in the existence of God. The Bible says that even the devils believe in God’s existence and tremble. (James 2:19)
Genuine Christians do much more than talk about what they believe about God. They humble themselves. (James 4:10) With deep, heart-gripping dependence on the risen Christ, they confess with their mouth that Jesus is their absolute Lord and Master and literally rely on His presence and power throughout each day. (Romans 10:9-10)
God wants pruned people, not proud people. Don’t try to look like a Christian. Humble yourself and let God prune you. Allow Him to cut off anything in your life that is hindering you from overflowing with the fruit of the Spirit — “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness . . .” (John 15:1-12)
Christian preachers and Bible teachers aren’t just supposed to be dispensers of religious details. The fact is, every single Christian is supposed to be a dynamic demonstrator of the supernatural presence, love, and power of Jesus.
Free Gas for Your Think Tank -- Short Reflections, Lasting Encouragement 