Too Big for Your Britches

Well, now there you are just when it was gittin’ a mite too quiet around here. So, come right on up here on this ol’ front porch, friend, and claim yourself a mighty comfy chair before that ol’ Tom turkey gobbler over by the fence starts to struttin’ around like he’s been elected governor of the whole county. Pride can git to makin’ a person puff up faster than an ol’ bullfrog swimmin’ in a rain barrel, and before long we’re plum actin’ like the ol’ rooster that thinks daylight showed up just because he crowed.

1 Samuel 2:3 says, “Stop acting so proud and haughty! Don’t speak with such arrogance! For the Lord is a God who knows what you have done.” That’ll take the starch right out of a swollen collar.

This ol’ world tells us to collect applause, attention, followers, and admiration like lil’ ol’ squirrels gatherin’ acorns before winter. But Scripture sho’-nuff’ points us in another direction. Philippians 2:3–4 tells us to reject selfish ambition, value others, and look beyond our own interests.

Humility don’t mean believin’ you’re plum worthless. It means understandin’ that every gift, opportunity, breath, and accomplishment ultimately comes through God’s grace. Pride says, “Look what I did.” Humility says, “Lord, look what You let me be part of.”

That’s why 1 Peter 5:6 tells us, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” Real security don’t come from everybody noticin’ us. It plum comes from knowin’ God sees us.

And Romans 12:2 reminds us not to be copyin’ the world’s patterns but to be lettin’ God renew our minds. He can sho’-nuff’ untangle that ol’ cravin’ for recognition until our greatest desire becomes pleasin’ Him instead of impressin’ everybody else.

Father, show me where pride and the need for approval have taken up too much room in my heart. Teach me to walk humbly, serve gladly, and remember that every good thing comes from You. Renew my mind and help me seek Your purpose above praise, popularity, or position. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, gather up your duds over there on the bench by the window, and git to moseyin’ right on back into the doin’s of your day, friend. And don’t you be lettin’ your ego git to ridin’ shotgun like a lil’ ol’ raccoon carryin’ the keys to the pickup. You don’t need a parade every time you do somethin’ good. Let God keep the score while you keep right on servin’ Him. Walk low enough to notice other people and high enough in faith to know your worth comes right straight from Him. And if pride starts to struttin’ through the yard again, remind it that even the ol’ proud peacock still has to scratch around in the dirt to find somethin’ good for supper.

With joy,

Gwen