Recently I was again reminded that many parents believe that their child is better behaved, smarter, more polite and generally all around superior to his or her peers because of the parents’ own choices of faith, teaching style and discipline. To this I say, it may be correct that the parents have made “good” choices that are to the benefit of their child, but to take credit for those choices, to look down upon someone else or feel the right to judge others who don’t meet these individual standards to me is an offense.
Now I will concede that I am being quick to take offense, particularly since I don’t really know the individuals expressing these opinions personally nor do they know me or my child. I apologize for my impatience. But I feel strongly that every now and then we all need a reminder that God didn’t just die for us personally but for each and every one of the many people we encounter each day- even the ones who don’t always behave as He might wish, especially for those. How we think of those people we encounter, how we treat them, how we minister to them has eternal impact not only on their lives but on our own.
Consider the following lessons that God has given us about holding ourselves in too high esteem:
Daniel 4
"The king reflected and said, 'Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?' While the word was in the king's mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, 'King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you, and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.'
and
Daniel 5
"But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit became so proud that he behaved arrogantly, he was deposed from his royal throne and his glory was taken away from him. He was also driven away from mankind, and his heart was made like that of beasts, and his dwelling place was with the wild donkeys He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he recognized that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes.
Ecclesiastes 5:7
For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Proverbs 28:26
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Luke 18:9-14
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
So, as you contemplate your many blessings, God’s grace in your life, and the suffering of others (or your own) remember that just maybe it’s not all about you. Maybe it’s not all about you and what a great parent/Christian/homeschooler/housekeeper/wife/lay leader/ etc. you are (or are not). Maybe God has a plan for you and He’s guided your steps and your decisions to fulfill that plan. Maybe the only reason you made a “good” parenting choice or were led to homeschool or have lots of energy to volunteer is because it serves His purpose. Maybe the only reason you’ve faced challenges is because it served His good will. Maybe it’s for His glory.
1 Corinthians 13:3
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
May we all remember that but for God's grace, we would remain broken and without hope. I know I sure couldn't do anything good on my own!
