Light-Giver

“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.” (Proverbs 29:23)

The picture looked like a giant bug-zapper or a lighthouse with a fire burning inside, shooting upwards. People made vague comments, knowing what it was, but I had no clue. So, unashamedly I replied to the sender and asked, “What is it?” A kind friend, seeing my question before my daughter did, responded, “It’s an outdoor heater.” Then the image made sense to me.

Pride is one of the sins the Lord hates, listed as one of seven identified abominations (Proverbs 6:16–19). If you want to learn something new and are unsuccessful, you can keep trying until you get it right or ask for guidance. But asking for help means you must set your dignity aside and decide whether to receive or reject the advice given (Proverbs 26:12). Pride will keep you from looking for God, knowing Him, or understanding His Word (Psalm 10:4). It precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Those who think highly of themselves and look down on others will fall by God’s hand of punishment (or calling on Him for forgiveness). Humility is the honor that upholds those with the proper attitude.

What impression does your life leave on the world and other believers? Does it portray you as a lighthouse with the glow of God’s burning fire that draws them closer for warmth and guidance to learn more? Or do they mistake you for a bug-zapper who self-righteously dismisses others and advice given before even considering it? If you are unsure, recall recent advice offered. Was it considered or at once rejected? Look down. If you have “dead bugs” lying all-around at your feet. . .  If needed, change your thoughts and actions and be recognized as a light-giver rather than a know-it-all.

The picture posted looked like a giant bug-zapper or a lighthouse with an elongated fire burning inside shooting upwards; I could not determine which. People made vague comments, knowing what it was, but I had no clue. So, unashamedly I replied to the post and asked, “What is it?” A kind friend who saw my question before my daughter did, responded, “It’s an outdoor heater.” Then the image made sense to me. My daughter said the heat from the heater was “warm and toasty.”

Pride is one of the sins the Lord hates, listed as one of seven identified as abominations (Proverbs 6:17). If you want to learn something new and were unsuccessful, you can keep trying until you get it right or simply ask for guidance. But asking for help means you must set your dignity aside and decide whether to receive or reject the advice given (Proverbs 26:12). Pride can prevent you from understanding God’s Word and living life to its fullest and keep you from knowing and accepting the God of the Word (Psalm 10:2).

What impression does your life leave on the world and other believers? Does it portray a lighthouse with the glow of God’s burning fire within you that draws them closer for warmth and guidance to learn more? Or do they mistake you for a bug-zapper who dismisses advice given before even considering it? If you are unsure, recall recent advice offered. Was it considered or immediately rejected? Look down. If you have “dead bugs” lying all-around at your feet. . .  Ask God to clean up your way of thinking so you, too, can be recognized as a light-giver rather than a know-it-all.