Take Pride

September 6, 2009 at 9:10 am (Uncategorized)

The brother in his humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while he goes about his business – James 1:9-11

Whether we are successful or not, rich or poor, beautiful or ugly; we should take pride. It does not mean that we are boasting or being thankful that we are poor, ugly or unsuccessful. No. The word take pride means feel proud of. For e.g., feeling proud of our son. What these verses mean is that, in spite of the circumstances, we feel proud and thankful. God will make everything beautiful in its time (ref.Ecc 3:11). So, as a father, irregardless of who or what my son is, I should feel proud of him.

God does not want us to only feel proud when we are on the plateau of our career but also to feel proud when we are at the deepest ravine of our life. He does not want us to grumble and curse away when we are down and out. He wants us to persevere on to praise Him and be thankful even when we are in the pit. He does not want us to only praises Him when everything is fine and dandy. He wants us to worship and feel proud that in spite of all the circumstances, He will bring everything to pass.

We are worshipping a God who is far greater than our circumstances. Even if the mountain falls, the sea covers the land, He will help us to overcome. We should consider it pure joy that whenever we face trials of any kind, the testing of our faith will develops perseverance (James 1:1). We should rejoice because difficulties produce in us not just perseverance but character and hope (Roman 5:3,4). And hope never fails.

So, even if we are in living a humble,  average life, we should feel proud. And if we are rich, hallelujah and be proud, even if we are in our deepest pit.

Let’s take pride wherever we are.