KILL THE PROUD THOUGHT IN YOUR MIND
Do not say in your heart when the LORD your God has driven them out before you, 'Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,' but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is dispossessing them before you." (Deuteronomy 9:4)
To avoid saying something in our heart means that we must not allow the idea to capture our emotions, i.e., desires, and will so that the entirety of our heart becomes captive to a dishonest and deceptive thought. God spoke through James about the order of corruption in the human heart.
"But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death." (James 1:14, 15) An idea can be planted within a person's mind from without, but it depends upon what we do with the concept that determines whether or not we sin.
THE MANDATE TO ISRAEL
The mandate was given to Israel to avoid self-righteousness, as found in the words, "… 'Because of my righteousness, the LORD has brought me in…". It was this idea that was never to captivate the heart of the Israelite. From beginning to end, it was the Lord that bought Israel into the land flowing with milk and honey.
Israel was rebellious, obstinate, fearful, and unbelieving it would have been a travesty on the truth if they were to take credit after all their waywardness. In actuality, the land taken from the people of Canaan was because of their wickedness. "…because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is dispossessing them before you." God is the author of salvation, just as He is the dispenser of justice.
THE MANDATE TO THE CHURCH
At a specific time, the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith. He then tells them it is not the size of their belief that matters but the size of their God in whom they place their trust. He went on and painted a scenario about a master and a slave. He concluded with these words.
"He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? "So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.'" (Luke 17:9, 10)
Some will ask, what does Jesus's answer have to do with faith? Only the humble man needs to ask of others. The proud need no one. Humble men pray in faith. The means of humility in Jesus's scenario is a proper perspective of God and man. Humility is seeing the size of the man compared to God.
In the universe, there is one God. He is eternal, self-existent, without the beginning of life or the end of days. He is infinite in all His ways. He is all-knowing and the source of truth. He is everywhere present. He is the source of everything, He sustains the existence of everything, and if it does not come from Him, it cannot be right. (James 1:17) The good of which the Bible speaks includes the right that you and I do.
Do you think God should thank you for the good that you do?
THE MANDATE TO EVERY CHRISTIAN
Every Christian should pray daily for discernment to know which thoughts come from God and affect his soul for good and humility. When we discover an idea that has its source in Satan or this present wicked world system, it should be rejected immediately.
Humility is the key that unlocks the door of God's power in our lives. The Holy Spirit cannot fill a person that is full of his own selfish and self-centered pride. The doctrine of the sovereignty of God is vitally important to understand, but understanding it is not enough; it must be put into practice. We must trust that God working within us is the most crucial element of becoming a Christian.