The Conceited Me

"Father God, please guide me as I write this article based on Your Word. Help me to write this to glorify You, and let Your words bring clarity to those who seek You. May Your truth help people discern and embrace correct beliefs. I pray and seek everything in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen."

Hi there my Brothers and Sisters in Christ! As I sit down to reflect on my own journey with Christ, one thing stands out as a glaring reminder of the dangers of conceit in our Christian lives. I'm not ashamed to admit that for a long time, pride and self-righteousness masked themselves under the guise of "spiritual maturity" and "faithfulness." In reality, they were choking the very life out of my relationship with God.

Looking back, it's as if I was blinded by the fog of conceit. My self-perceived "success" in various areas of Christian service and ministry created a false sense of security, making me believe that I was above correction or criticism. I became so enamoured with my own perceived wisdom and abilities that I failed to listen to the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit.

Conceit is a subtle yet insidious enemy that can creep into our lives unnoticed. It's the notion that we are better than others, more knowledgeable, more spiritual, or simply more deserving of God's favour. This mindset leads us down a path of self-reliance, where we trust in ourselves rather than Christ.

In my case, conceit led me to prioritize personal achievement over genuine humility and dependence on God. I began to focus on external validation – the praise and admiration of others – rather than seeking the approval of my heavenly Father. The more I sought to be recognized and esteemed by men, the farther I drifted from the simplicity and purity of devotion.

As a result, my Christian life became stagnant and barren. My prayers felt like mere exercises in self-justification, rather than heartfelt cries for mercy and guidance. My relationships with others suffered as I became increasingly isolated and self-absorbed. And worst of all, my relationship with God grew cold and distant, as if the very presence of His glory was shrouded by a veil of pride.

But praise be to our glorious God! In His infinite wisdom and mercy, He saw fit to intervene in my life, bringing me low and breaking my fall. It began when I encountered Scripture that pierced my heart like a sword:

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)

"God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)

These words, once mere abstract concepts, became a searing rebuke, exposing the deceit and self-deception that had taken up residence in my heart. I realized that my attempts to present myself as spiritually superior were nothing short of an affront to God's sovereignty.

In a moment of profound conviction, I surrendered my pride and asked for forgiveness. It was as if the weight of my conceit had been lifted off my shoulders, freeing me from the shackles of self-righteousness. For the first time in years, I felt the warmth of God's love and acceptance, untainted by human praise or recognition.

As I look back on that journey, I am reminded that conceit is a thief that can steal our joy, our peace, and our very faith. It is a subtle siren song that lures us away from the cross, convincing us that we are worthy of God's love and acceptance without the need for sacrifice or humility.

But praise be to Jesus! He knows the snares of conceit all too well, having faced the ultimate temptation in the wilderness. And yet, He emerged victorious, His character unblemished by even a hint of pride.

In His mercy, He offers us the same opportunity for redemption. Will you join me in this journey toward humility and dependence on God? Will you let go of your need for external validation and trust in the One who truly knows your heart?

As we walk together in this pilgrimage, let us heed the wise words of Paul: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3)

May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of humility, as we seek to honor Christ and magnify His glory in our daily walk.