See and listen to the truth in Proverbs 30…
“Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother. (Verse 11)
They are pure in their own eyes, but they are filthy and unwashed. (Verse 12)
They look proudly around, casting disdainful glances. (Verse 13)
They have teeth like swords and fangs like knives. They devour the poor from the earth and the needy from humanity.” (Verse 14)
God speaks out many times against arrogance, and it should clue us in to the fact that He hates it. Notice that arrogance, pride, and abuse of others begins with lack of appreciation and respect for one’s parents. It seems like so many kids today are totally disrespectful to their parents. And I can honestly say that I was one of them! Verses 12 and 13 could have been written about me. It makes me tremble at the thought of how prideful and self-righteous I was. Some people are blessed with a spirit of humility, but truthfully, most aren’t. God’s way of creating humility in us is through humiliation. Sad, but true. Being stripped from the spirit of pride hurts, but it’s also the preparation for you to be able to accomplish the plans God has made for you since the beginning of time. Without this time of preparation, you will not be effective in doing the things God has anointed you for.
“There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise:
Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer. (Verse 25)
Hyraxes (Rock Badgers)—they aren’t powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks. (Verse 26)
Locusts—they have no king, but they march in formation. (Verse 27)
Lizards—they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings’ palaces.” (Verse 28)
Ants can teach us about preparation; badgers about wise building; locusts about cooperation and order, and lizards about fearlessness. These verses make me think about how Jesus told us not to worry. A way to resist worry involves a careful observation of the birds and the lilies…
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
And why worry about your clothing? Look at the Lilies of the field and how they grow. They didn’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” Matthew 6: 25-28
Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern—worry immobilizes, but concern moves us to action.
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