The Sin of Pride and the Weapon of Worship

With a Tribute to Our God

for the Life of Eleanor Horine

Pride is that last undefeated foe at the end of each journey of spiritual success. He greets us as a familiar friend celebrating our return and inviting us to a feast in our honor. Then when our hearts are filled with the wine and song of our self-celebration, he sneaks up from behind and stabs us in the back, stealing away our inheritance and the spoils of our heavenly rewards. For "pride goes before the fall and the haughty spirit before destruction."

We must not allow him to catch us off guard time and time again but should anticipate his attack and meet him with the weapon of worship. Like Noah, we must prepare a sacrifice of praise. For when he left the ark he did not turn back and praise himself for the ark which he had built with his own hands. Rather he built an altar to the Lord and sacrificed a burnt offering, giving God the glory for his deliverance, and the Lord blessed man with a promise because of His pleasure with Noah's offering. Let us feast on the Bread of Life and the Living Water from the Everlasting Fountain rather than the slop of self-aggrandizement, and let us secure our heavenly reward by defeating this treacherous fiend. We must meet pride with the weapon of worship.

Ironically, while I was thinking about pride when I wrote the paragraphs above, I discovered that I was thinking prideful thoughts and that I was being tempted with pride. I was proud of my insights about pride and looking forward to the praise I might receive when others had read my reflections. That is just what Pride is like. He is sneaky. He creeps up upon us when we least expect it and disguises himself as righteousness, or spiritual giftedness, or even as humility. When we begin to feel good about ourselves for any of these things, we are committing the sin of pride. Our focus must immediately shift from self and self-accomplishment to God and His gracious accomplishments in us and in others. " Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!"

I attended a funeral yesterday of a woman who accomplished great things for God. Her name was Eleanor Horine. I did not have the pleasure of knowing her well, but I do remember her warmth and kindness from my limited interactions with her. This dear, godly lady was 86 when she died. In her last 15 years, she raised over $50,000 for the Pregnancy Resource Center in Bloomington, IL to save the lives of the unborn. She left a legacy of godliness to her family, including 22 grandchildren, if I remember correctly, and several great-grandchildren. What impacted me most about her funeral was not what she had accomplished in her life-time, nor how many present, family and friends, held her in such high regard but the song she chose to be played at the end of her own funeral--The Hallelujah Chorus.

When I stood with all who surrounded me as the familiar yet majestic anthem resounded and Eleanor's casket was rolled out, I could not hold back the tears. I was overwhelmed with the realization that I was not standing for Eleanor. I was standing for her Lord and King, who accomplished so much in and through her. All the glory for all the wonderful things she had done in her lifetime belonged to him. I believe Eleanor chose this song for the end of her own funeral for this reason. She wanted to redirect the attention of her family and friends from herself to God. She wanted the glory to go to her Lord because she knew that He deserved it, and she delighted in His receiving it. I don't know how much Eleanor struggled with the temptation of pride in her lifetime. I know we all struggle with it to different extents, but I know that in Christ, Eleanor defeated any temptation of pride in the end with the weapon of worship. May our desire be as Eleanor's. May we delight in giving all of the glory for anything good in us to the one who alone deserves it. "Hallelujah, for the LORD God, Omnipotent reigneth . . . the kingdom of our God and of His Christ . . . and He shall reign forever and ever."

Snotty, The Secret Weapon

[This is a true, funny story about animals that has nothing to do with Theology, Bible Study, Counseling, or Christian Living. I wrote it as an e-mail to my wife before we were married, and she asked me to post it. So here it is . . . a cat and mouse tale. No pun intended.]

One night, I was sitting in my room watching a movie, when I saw a mouse just run out in the middle of the floor and then run behind the bed. Determined not to let this one get away, I stuffed a blanket under the door and ran outside to find my secret weapon--the snot-nosed cat. Actually, there are three cats that keep constant vigil on our doorstep with snotty noses because I guess they have sinus infections. We don't really have names for them, but this one is the snottiest nose of all. Some of the kids call this cat Tetris. I really don't know why. She didn't come in pieces, and there is nothing rectangular about her.

After a few minutes of frantic searching, I found Snotty the cat in the doghouse. By the way, she is the one who bit my nose and whose tooth went up my nostril. I took her into my room, and I started moving furniture, while she peered around every corner. We had this mysterious connection going on. It was as if she knew exactly what I was doing. Every time I would move something, she would walk behind it to inspect. At different times each of us accidentally got stuck to the same glue mousetrap that I had laid down so we both lost a few hairs during our search, but neither of us ever felt our lives were in serious danger. There is a hole in the floor under my bed, and I wanted to make sure the mouse did not escape through it so when we searched under the bed, I took a bowl I had just eaten macaroni and cheese out of and turned it over upside down and placed it over the hole.

Snotty and I continued our search until every piece of furniture was moved and nothing was left on the floor in the closet or under the bed, but still no mouse. I decided to pick up the bowl so I could wash it, but what happened in the next instant was quite a surprise. When I lifted the bowl, a mouse ran out. Apparently, the mouse had run down the hole before I had covered it up with the bowl. The bowl still had cheese stuck to the inside so when I put the bowl down, the mouse came back up the hole to eat the cheese. When I finally lifted the bowl, the mouse darted back and forth a couple of times and then a paw sprung out from underneath the bed, and that was the end . . . well, at least close enough. A few more games of cat and mouse yet to play, but Snotty had detained the troublesome mouse, which was now only a few moments away from its last breath. Once the cruel torment of the prisoner was concluded, I took Snotty and the body of her victim, which I carried by the tail using toilet paper to avoid contact, outside. I first set Snotty down on the porch. Then I presented her with her trophy, which she probably did not eat because she had already eaten enough of the Marshall's dog food. Oh well, at least now we can all sleep better at night thanks to Snotty. I think she earned a tissue. Achoo!

A Flawed Ruler and A Sovereign God: What Christians in America Can Learn from the Story of Saul in 1 Samuel 9-10

Chapter 17 - A Practical Study of 1 Samuel - 1 Samuel 8

1. Sometimes God gives sinful people the kind of ruler they want in order to demonstrate to them the disastrous end to which such a ruler will bring them.

As the old adage goes, "Be careful what you ask for!" In the case of Saul, God gave the people a man with great stature and small character. Although Saul was head and shoulders above the rest of the people, the flaws in his character were apparent even before he became the king. First, he was careless in failing to inform his father of his whereabouts when searching for his donkeys. Second, he seemed to have little regard for God or His prophet in that he himself did not think to consult the prophet Samuel to find his lost donkeys. His servant suggested consulting the man of God. Saul did not even seem to know anything about Samuel. Third, he showed ignorance and poor judgment by seeking to pay a prophet of God (The Reformation Study Bible, 389). Fourth, when Saul prophesied, the people who had formerly known Saul were startled. Perhaps they were startled to see him among the prophets because his character had not been such as was fitting for a prophet of God. However, the reason for their astonishment is not clear.

Finally, Saul displayed a cowardly reluctance to be king on three occasions: 1) When Samuel first suggested that he be king, Saul claimed that he was from the least important family in the tribe of Benjamin when he was a descendent of a "mighty man of power;" 2) When his uncle questioned him about what Samuel told him, and he left out all information about becoming the king; and 3) When the people were looking for him after Samuel announced that he would be the king and the LORD revealed that he was "hidden among the equipment." The last two occasions were even after the LORD had demonstrated to Saul that He had chosen him through three signs of fulfilled prophecy. Thus by cowardly reluctance, Saul revealed a lack of faith and confidence in the LORD even after the LORD had clearly demonstrated His omniscience, His purpose, and His power.

Saul, however, was the kind of king the people wanted--a king that was impressive to look upon, who would stand out in a crowd--a king that would make them like all the surrounding nations, who would judge them and would stand out in front and lead them into battle. They wanted a king to make them prosperous and secure, but not necessarily a righteous and godly king who would lead them in worshipping and obeying the LORD.

Isn't this the kind of President that America wants--a man who is charismatic and eloquent and who promises security and prosperity for our nation? Elect me and I will protect you from terrorists. Elect me and I will fix the economy and provide more jobs. But what about character? Every time moral character is brought up or questioned in an election, those who bring it up are accused of mud slinging and told to get back to the real issues. Most Americans, including many professed Christians, don't care anymore whether a President cheats on his wife, lies, supports the murder of innocent babies through abortion, endorses homosexual marriage, or worships a false god. They do not understand that true and lasting security and prosperity belong to those who trust in the LORD and obey His commandments. God blesses a nation whose God is the LORD. Furthermore, many Americans like many of the Israelites in the days of Samuel and Saul do not want a ruler who submits to God's commandments because they themselves do not want to submit to God's commandments, and, therefore, they don't want a ruler who will hold them accountable to God's standards.

Review and Reflect

Why was Saul the kind of king that Israel wanted? What were some of Saul's flaws?

What kind of president do most people in America want today? Is this the kind of president that Americans should be looking for? Why or why not?

2. Although God appoints flawed and sinful human rulers, He remains in control. He remains the King of Kings.

Even as Saul is becoming the king of Israel, we see in these two chapters, a God, who is planning and orchestrating everything. God chooses Saul to be king. He reveals this to His prophet Samuel. He uses lost donkeys to bring and the advice of a servant to bring Saul to Samuel. He tells Samuel various signs he is going to perform, and then brings these signs to pass by preparing two men to prophesy to Samuel, preparing three men to give him goats, bread, and wine, and a preparing group of prophets to meet him with instruments, prophesying. His Spirit comes upon Saul and causes Saul to prophesy. Then when Saul is hiding because he is reluctant to be king, it is the LORD who reveals his whereabouts.

We must remember that even when flawed, wicked men are elected to government, God remains in control. They are in power because he has chosen and appointed them to rule. God's people can trust him even when wicked and oppressive governments rule over them.

Review and Reflect

In what ways do we see God ruling over Saul's appointment as king?

Does God control who is elected to office in our country? See Romans 13:1-7.

Is God still ruling over sinful rulers in the world today? See Proverbs 21:1.

3. God plans the future, and, therefore, He knows the future.

God basically told Samuel everything He was going to do and then did it. He knew what was going to happen because He was making it happen. He caused Saul's donkeys to be lost, brought Saul to Samuel, and then brought various signs to pass after revealing them to Samuel. God knew that Saul would be he king because He chose him to be the king. Then He carried out His plan and made Saul the king of Israel.

God will not be surprised by the results of the next election because regardless of the results, He remains in control. He already knows the outcome because He has decided it. This does not negate our responsibility to fight injustice by seeking to elect a candidate that fears God and honors His commandments, but it does give us assurance that even if a wicked man is elected President, this man cannot thwart the sovereign and perfect plan of God.

Review and Reflect

In what ways does the story of Saul demonstrate that God knows and plans the future?

How can this truth that God knows and plans the future encourage believers today? See Romans 8:28.

4. God arranges circumstances and events to reveal His purpose and power to His people so that their faith in Him will grow stronger.

God told Samuel that Saul was coming so that Samuel would know that Saul was to be king, but also so that Saul would know that this was God's plan and that God had everything worked out. Then God demonstrated His plan and His ability to carry out His plan through various signs. These signs were meant to encourage Saul and to give Him confidence that the LORD was with him, and would empower him to be king. Although, Saul remained reluctant, one has to wonder how cowardly he would have been were it not for the signs that God used to encourage him. Saul is eventually courageous enough to lead the Israelites to victory in battle. Samuel and the people of Israel were also encouraged through the clear presence of God's hand in Saul's appointment as king.

When believers look at history, we see God's wisdom in appointing certain men to leadership. When reflecting on our pasts, we see His wisdom in bringing certain things to pass in our lives though at the time we might not have understood the good in what He was doing. Sometimes He even shows us in the present that He is working all things together for our good.

Review and Reflect

How did God arrange circumstances and events to reveal His purpose and His power to a) Saul, b) Samuel, and c) others in the story?

How has God revealed His purpose and His power to you through circumstances and events in your life?

SOURCES CONSULTED

Keil, C. F. and F. Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament in Ten Volumes, Vol. II: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I & II Samuel. trans. Martin, James. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1988.

Sproul, R.C. et al., The Reformation Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995.

You Shouldn't Let A Fly Come Between You: A Story of Restoration and the Lesson of Forgiveness

Chapter 1 - Christian Forgiveness

The Story

[This is a true story, but the names of the students in this story have been changed so that none of these events can be traced back to them. Some of the dialogue has also been slightly changed for artistic purposes.]

One day, while working at Salem Ranch, I walked from the school building to Clinton Cottage, where the students lived, to talk with one of the students that I was counseling. On my way there, I ran into Jeffrey, another student, who was skateboarding in the cul-de-sac in front of the cottage. Jeffrey promptly asked me if he would be allowed to move into a different room.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because I'm tired of Thomas playing rude jokes on me, and I don't want to be his roommate any more," said Jeffrey.

"But Thomas is your friend. What happened?"

"Thomas put a fly in my mouth, and I swallowed it."

"Well, you shouldn't let a fly come between you and Thomas. You're a good friend to Thomas, and Thomas is a good friend to you. You need to talk with him and work this out."

"Okay, but can I move into a different room?"

"Absolutely not!" I said.

Jeffrey frowned.

I continued, "Not until you make an effort to make this right with Thomas. Thomas is a good friend. He needs you, and you need him, and you shouldn't let a fly come between you." I left Jeffrey and walked inside, where I saw Thomas sitting on the couch.

"Thomas, I need to talk with you. Let's go outside," I said. Thomas got up and followed me through the dining room to the sliding glass door. I opened the door, and we stepped outside onto the back porch.

"Thomas, Jeffrey is upset with you. I heard you put a fly in his mouth."

"I did not put a fly in his mouth."

"He said you did."

"I did not put a fly in his mouth."

"What happened? Why does he want to move into a different room?"

"Derek was holding his hands over Jeffrey's eyes. I walked up and put my hand up under his chin like this." Thomas demonstrated what he had done. "He said I put a fly in his mouth," said Thomas.

"Thomas, you shouldn't let a fly come between you and Jeffrey. You're a good friend to Jeffrey, and Jeffrey is a good friend to you. If he thinks you put a fly in his mouth, I would say something like this: 'Jeffrey, I was not aware of putting a fly in your mouth, but if I did, I'm sorry.' You need to work this out with Jeffrey.

"Okay," said Thomas, "But I think Jeffrey lied to get me into trouble."

"Okay, Thomas. Come with me."

Thomas followed me back inside, through the dining room, through the living room and back out the front door. Jeffrey was still skating in the cul-de-sac.

"Come with us, Jeffrey," I said.

Jeffrey followed me across the parking lot on his skateboard. Thomas followed behind on a strange skateboard with only two wheels. We walked inside the school building, down the hallway, past the bathrooms, and into the family meeting room. Brent, the executive director was in his adjoining office, and his door was opened. I asked him if I could shut his door while Jeffrey, Thomas, and I talked privately. He agreed, and the three of us sat down in nice sofa chairs around a small, round coffee table. Jeffrey was on my right, and Thomas was seated directly in front of me. I looked at Thomas, and I looked at Jeffrey.

"When men have a problem, they talk and work it out," I said. "They don't say, 'I don't want to be around you anymore,' like immature little girls. So let's talk about this 'cause you shouldn't let a fly come between you. Jeffrey, why are you upset with Thomas?"

"Because he put a fly in my mouth."

"I did not put a fly in your mouth," said Thomas.

"Jeffrey, how do you know Thomas put a fly in your mouth?" I said. Did you see him do it?"

"No, but Derek said he did, and I felt something go down my throat, and I swallowed it."

I suddenly began singing, "There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. I don't know why she swallowed a fly. I guess she'll die."

Jeffrey recognized the words to the popular old children's song and started laughing. I continued, "There was an old lady who swallowed a spider. It wriggled, and wiggled, and tickled inside her. She swallowed the spider to catch the fly, but I don't know why she swallowed the fly. I guess she'll die."

Jeffrey laughed and even Thomas seemed intrigued by the silly old song though he was not familiar with it.

"Jeffrey, has Thomas ever lied to you before?" I asked.

"No."

"Has Thomas ever done mean things to you before?"

"No."

"Has Derek ever lied to you before?"

"Yes."

"Has Derek ever done mean things to you before?"

"Yes."

"Why would Thomas lie to you now? And why would you believe Derek's word over Thomas's when Thomas has never lied to you and Derek has? You are a good friend to Thomas, and Thomas is a good friend to you, and you shouldn't let a fly come between you."

"But I felt it go down my throat."

"Are you sure it wasn't Derek?"

"Derek had both of his hands over my eyes. He couldn't have put it in my mouth."

"Are you sure it wasn't someone else?"

"No one else was around."

"How do you know it was a fly and not something else?"

"Thomas was catching flies, and Derek said he put a fly in my mouth."

"I was catching flies earlier, but I did not put a fly in your mouth," said Thomas.

"Well maybe it wasn't a fly," I said. "Did you put something else in Jeffrey's mouth, Thomas?"

"I did not put anything in Jeffrey's mouth."

"Well maybe something fell from the ceiling, or maybe someone spit something in your mouth, Jeffrey. Whatever happened, you shouldn't let a fly come between you," I replied.

"Thomas was catching flies. He touched me, and something went into my mouth, and I swallowed it. And Derek said that Thomas put a fly in my mouth," said Jeffrey.

"Thomas, did you put a fly in Jeffrey's mouth?" I asked.

"I did not put a fly in his mouth."

"Did you put anything in his mouth."

"I did not put anything in his mouth."

"Well, Thomas, I would apologize if I were you because you are a good friend to Jeffrey and Jeffrey is a good friend to you. You need him, and he needs you, and you shouldn't let a fly come between you."

"Jeffrey, I am sorry if I put a fly in your mouth," said Thomas.

"That's okay, Thomas," said Jeffrey.

We left the family meeting room, and Jeffrey and Thomas followed me down the hallway, past the bathrooms, and back outside. We walked across the parking lot into the cul-de-sac, and there I saw Derek shooting the basketball into one of the two basketball goals in the cul-de-sac. Derek turned around and greeted me as I approached. Thomas and Jeffrey continued to skate while I spoke with Derek.

"Are you causing trouble between Jeffrey and Thomas?"

"No," Derek replied.

"Did you tell Jeffrey that Thomas put a fly in his mouth?"

"No, I didn't."

"Jeffrey said that you did."

Derek turned toward Jeffrey, who was skating several yards away, and yelled, "Jeffrey that's bologna! I didn't tell you that Thomas put a fly in your mouth! Leave me out of it, and keep your mouth shut!"

Jeffrey walked over. "You said in the hallway that Thomas put a fly in my mouth."

"That's because you said it first. You're the one who said he put the fly in your mouth."
Jeffrey walked away.

"Derek, did you see Thomas put a fly in Jeffrey's mouth?" I asked.

"Thomas was catching flies. Then he walked up to Jeffrey and put his hand close to his mouth."

Thomas walked up. "I did not put a fly in his mouth."

"No, wait!" Derek replied. "He put his hand under Jeffrey's chin like this." Derek demonstrated what Thomas had done--the very thing that Thomas himself had said he had done when I first spoke with him.

"Derek, did you see a fly in Thomas' hand?" I asked.

"No."

"Did you see a fly go into Jeffrey's mouth?"

"No."

"Tell Jeffrey what you just said!" I instructed. "Hey Jeffrey come here!" I yelled.

Jeffrey walked up.

"Derek, did you see a fly in Thomas' hand?" I asked.

"No."

"Did you see a fly go into Jeffrey's mouth?"

"No, Thomas put his hand under Jeffrey's chin like this." Derek again demonstrated what Thomas had done so that Jeffrey could see.

I looked at Jeffrey and Thomas. "See guys. Don't let a fly come between you!"

Everyone seemed content to leave it at that, but as far as Jeffrey goes, "I don't know why he swallowed that fly. I guess he'll die."

The Lesson

Letting a fly ruin a friendship might seems ridiculous to adults, but how often do we hold grudges over things that do not amount to anything more than a fly? "Flies" are known to separate the best of friends. Anger and bitterness can easily find their way into our hearts over trifling matters and can quickly take root and grow in us. Paul described unresolved anger as a place or territory we give to the devil from which he can gain ground in our lives (Ephesians 4:27). To prevent this from happening, we must confront anger and the seeds of bitterness in our hearts on a daily basis. This need to tackle anger promptly before it gets out of hand is the reason Paul says in Ephesians 4:26, "Do not let the sun go down on your wrath" (NKJV). Furthermore, this is why Jesus included "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:12). While we are praying daily, asking the Father to forgive our sins, we should be reminded to consider whether we have forgiven others, as we should.

The Bible On Human Government: Principles Drawn from 1 Samuel 8 and Other Scriptures

Chapter 17 - A Practical Study of 1 Samuel - 1 Samuel 8

1. The LORD is the King of the whole earth and of all the nations in the earth. All people are subject to His law and commandments (Zechariah 14:9; Psalm 2; 24:1, 7-10; 93:1-2, 5; 45:6; Jeremiah 10:7; Revelation 1:5-6; 19:16; 15:3-4; Malachi 1:14; Daniel 4:37; 1 Timothy 1:17; 2:5-6; Romans 1:18-20; 2:14-15; 3:19, 29-30.

2. Human government is appointed by God to reward the good and punish the evil; therefore, we should obey our government's laws and pay taxes (Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26).

3. Human government is necessary only because people are evil. They fail to acknowledge God as King. Neither do they obey His commands, nor submit to His law (1 Samuel 8:6-9; 10:17-19; Judges 17:6; 21:25; 2:19; 18:1; 19:1; Genesis 9:5-6).

4. The worse the people are, the more human government is needed (Romans 13:3-4; Exodus 18:13-26; Genesis 9:5-6).

5. Although human government is not inherently or necessarily evil, having a human government is a "necessary evil" because human government has a tendency to become corrupt and oppressive. It has this tendency because it is made up of sinful men (1 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 Samuel 8:10-18; 13:13-14; 15:10-11, 23; 2 Samuel 11; 1 Kings 11:11; 12:13-14; 15:3, 26, 34; 16:13, 19, 25-26, 30; 22:52-53; 2 Kings 8:18, 27; 13:2; 11; 14:24; 15:18, 24, 28; 16:2-4; 17:2; 21:2, 20; 23:32, 37; 24:9, 19).

6. When the commands of a corrupt human government contradict the commandments of God given in the Scriptures, we should obey God's commandments and disobey the contradictory human commands (Acts 4:18-20; 5:27-29; Joshua 2:3-4; Hebrews 11:31; Esther 4:11, 16).

7. People often turn to human government for security and prosperity when they should turn to the LORD for these things (1 Samuel 8:4-5, 7-8, 19-20; Isaiah 31:1; Deuteronomy 28; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 20:7; 33:16-22; 37; Proverbs 21:31; Deuteronomy 20:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).

8. In times of turmoil, people are willing to give up their liberties to government in exchange for security and prosperity, but security and prosperity can come at a high cost--the loss of liberty (1 Samuel 8:10-20; Genesis 47:4, 15-25; Exodus 1:8-22).

9. People need protection and deliverance from corrupt government, which takes away their liberties and enslaves them (1 Samuel 8:10-18; Exodus 1:8-22; 3:7-10; Judges 2:18-19).