Does this sound like you or anyone you know? Do you know that arrogance is one of the things that God detests?
Proverbs 6:16-19 Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family.
How many times have you run across someone that thinks they are better than anyone else? You know that one that I am talking about. The driver on the road that rides your bumper, passes you, and then waves their hands at you for seemingly being in their way. Why? Or do you know someone who looks at others and holds themselves higher because they know more truths then others, or because they have a gift that another does not?
Proverbs 8:13 The Fear-of-God means hating Evil, whose ways I hate with a passion— pride and arrogance and crooked talk.
Do you feel like everyone is in your way and that you know better than anyone else? Are you considered arrogant because you voice your moral principal? But for a Christian, the Bible is THE source of moral guidance. If a Christian makes a moral statement that is based on biblical teaching, they are not automatically guilty of acting "superior" to everyone else. In fact, a consistent Christian would not only point out the difference between right and wrong but they would also freely admit that they are just as sinful as the next person. In other words, to proclaim what God says is right or wrong is not automatically the same as arrogance.
Also, some people are considered arrogant but are really self confident. What is the difference? Well self-confidence is the belief in oneself and in one's powers and abilities. People that are self-confident demonstrate it by their actions, and not through their words alone. However, if you are always trying to impress your friends, family, or coworkers by overtly asserting your self-confidence, then you are likely arrogant.
Joshua 10:25 Joshua told them, "Don't hold back. Don't be timid. Be strong! Be confident! This is what God will do to all your enemies when you fight them."
So it’s good to be self confident but not so much being arrogant. There is a fine line that is often difficult to judge. Often, people who are usually highly self-confident cross the line into arrogance and don’t even know it. Be careful not to push your views onto others, that’s when you are perceived as arrogant.
How do I change? First of all, you have to admit that you are being arrogant. That is difficult for anyone that is self-confident. But once you can accept the fact that you have tendencies toward arrogance then you can change. Instead of bragging about your own personal triumphs, try to bring attention to someone else’s achievement. Take part in group and team projects and work with others, not against them. Think before you speak, and do not overwhelm people with negative comments or critiques or speak highly of yourself.
Acts 4:13-14 They couldn't take their eyes off them—Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus, but with the man right before them, seeing him standing there so upright—so healed!—what could they say against that?
Wow – God just revealed to me that I have tendencies to cross that line sometimes trying to communicate with ones that I love! Sorry Jayne.
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