The other night the small group we meet
with from our church had a discussion about pride -- one of the 'seven deadly sins.'
It was a worthwhile conversation... and a needful reminder of how easy it is to succumb to pride... as we seek to replace God as the rightful ruler of our lives.
On the way home, my wife raised a good question:
"If pride is so horrible, is it wrong
to be confident?"
We talked about that question for awhile, so I can't recap everything.
But the answer came down to recognizing that pride and confidence are two different things.
Pride is when we have a high view of ourselves.
But confidence is when we have a high view of God,
and what He is able to do through us.
With that distinction, we can see it's not wrong to be confident.
In fact, we need it to fulfill the call gives us to have dominion in this world.
This becomes clear when we realize that the word confident literally means 'with faith.'
That
is... we're to carry out our callings 'with faith' that God's purpose is going to be realized through them.
This too, is why the Bible tells we're not to throw away our confidence... because it brings a great reward (Heb.10:35).
So...
When it comes to your calling...
There's no
place for pride...
Because all that's good comes from God.
But stay confident as well...
As you humbly rely on God to work out His purpose through you and your gifts.
... Humble confidence...
That's what you're
after.