Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hi, Zane.

Not much left of the morning. I did my little run with the dogs. Back home I’ve focused on some computer work…which, in many ways, is more exhausting than jogging…or heavy work. I’m ready for a nap already!

Be blessed today. Love and prayers—Tua/Ray.

It would be well worth our effort to commit this doxology passage to memory (vv. 33-36). It touches the root of man’s most basic purpose and most typical problem in his relationship with God. I think it would be safe to say that almost all spiritual and moral failure among humans stems from a kind of pride and self-centeredness that militates against God and His glory. Man persistently says by his attitudes and actions, “I think I’m pretty important and want some glory for myself.”

As I carefully read chapter 11, I notice 3 particular words that help to identify this root problem:

1. BOAST - “…do not boast over those branches” (v. 18). Boastfulness is unbecoming to believers when it involves the blessings and benefits of God that are received by grace. What do we have that has not been received?
2. ARROGANT - “Do not be arrogant but be afraid” (v. 20). Arrogance is that distorted attitude that presumes that God exists for me. He is there to bless me, to help me, to answer my prayers, to heal my body, and to meet my needs. Me, me, me, and my, my, my. Too often that becomes the basis of a man’s theology. So much so that a man will deceive himself into thinking that he is actually doing God some kind of favor to call on Him. Paul puts it this way, “You do not support the root, but the root supports you” (v. 18). That is, God does not exist for you, but you exist for God.
3. CONCEITED - “…so that you may not be conceited” (v. 25). Conceit is defined as “a vain and exaggerated opinion of oneself.” When a person or group of persons begins to think that they are the special privileged and exclusive people of God, there we find the makings of cultism and all kinds of imbalance. It is a rejection of or wandering from the path of truth and humility. It generates a spiritual pride that is damaging to the glory of God.

I don’t think it’s possible to read this passage with understanding and walk away with attitudes of boastfulness, arrogance, and conceit. “TO HIM BE GLORY forever! Amen.”