Our scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NLT).
We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
Paul has a very telling phrase in this passage – “we destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God.” It is our pride that usually leads us into trouble. We are often overconfident in our abilities, believing them to be “ours” rather than a gift from God.
In another letter we read a cure for this issue: “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Hebrews 4:12). By studying and sharing His word we arm ourselves against earthly ways and wiles that will lead us astray.
Our only source of pride is that God has chosen each one of us and called us by name. Later in this chapter Paul quotes from Scripture “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17). In this way we can have the relationship with God and each other that He intends for us.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times our foolish pride has caused us to fall into sin. Help us to live as Jesus taught us, serving our brothers and sisters everywhere. Amen.
