“Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
Betcha can’t!
How often have children taunted one another with such words?
How often have adults used words, or even tone, to convey doubt as to whether the ability even existed.
What stirs up inside each of us as we hear these words?
O, yes I can! You just watch me!
Often, the reaction is one of pride.
Jesus also knows what it’s like to be taunted, to feel the pressure to perform.
Let’s look at Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test. Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
In this passage, we could all agree Satan is obviously taunting Christ. Notice the language used, “If you are the Son of God.” The implication is that Jesus needs to prove who He is and if He doesn’t comply, his identity will be called into question.
Of course, the one calling Christ’s identity into question is the enemy himself, not God. (Something to remember when we are in the same situation!)
But as we see in Scripture, Jesus does not give into pride. Instead, He answers in a way Satan can’t use to form a rebuttal. He answers with the ultimate truth, the Word of God.
Not to be easily dissuaded, Satan tries again, this time using Scripture to try to prove his request is valid. That Jesus ought to prove his identity once and for all.
But again, Christ answers perfectly with Scripture. The devil attempts a third time this time appealing to the prideful lust for power, a temptation which often works on humans, but not the Son of God.
Jesus orders him to leave, (and he must! Another thought to keep in our minds: we too can order him to leave in the name of Jesus, and he must!)
So Satan scampers away with Christ’s words echoing in his ears, again; Satan was whipped by the word of God.
So, following Jesus’ example, how should we respond when the Enemy’s saying ‘Betcha can’t’ to us?
Use Scripture.
When you look in the mirror and you’re taunted with a broken record playing, ‘You’re fat’, remember Psalm 139:14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
When someone belittles your choice of career, recall Colossians 3:23. Are you doing everything as if you are doing it for the Lord? Then you’ve done your job.
When you’re told you’re weak or ‘too nice’ because you treat everyone with respect, even those who are unrespectful to you, remember the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
The examples are endless! As an encouragement to each of us, please tell us of a time or situation you’ve seen where a Scripture reference was the perfect extinguisher to the fire of pride.
Reflections:
Monday: To apply Scripture, to respond with Scripture, we must know Scripture. How vast is your Scriptural knowledge?
Tuesday: How can you realistically broaden the base of Scriptural knowledge. Consider devotionals, reading plans, and classes, and any other source!
Wednesday: Devise a realistic plan that is doable for you.
Thursday: Tell a trusted friend or family member about your plan. Ask him to keep you accountable. Implement your plan.
Friday: Prayer:Lord, thank you for your example of how to deal with provocation. Although I may not always voice words to a crowd, may your truth be written on my heart, so that when I am faced with the lie of feeling I must prove myself, my gut response is to measure that lie against your truth. Amen.
Thank you for reading! Please return by Monday, January 20, for the next post.