Arrogance is one of the ugliest things in the world.

Do you know somebody who looks down on others and thinks that they are better than other people? It’s a common thing in the world, but sadly, we can find it among church people as well. Too often we are like the Pharisee in the parable Jesus told, who looked over at the tax collector and prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” That Pharisee had forgotten that he was a sinner too.

Apostle Paul addresses spiritual arrogance in Romans 11, particularly Gentile believers who are tempted to look down their noses arrogantly at Jewish nonbelievers. He basically says, “Do not be arrogant toward the Jewish nonbelievers. Remember that the root of your faith comes from Jewish people. So, instead of being arrogant toward Jewish people. Yes, some have been cut off from the promises of God because of their unbelief and their rejection of Jesus, but their heritage is your heritage in Christ.

Furthermore, instead of being arrogant, you should fear. If God cut them off for their unbelief, He could do the same thing to you for unbelief.

So, let fear of God replace your arrogance, and let thanksgiving to God replace your arrogance as well. And that is applicable to any person you are tempted to look down on. You are not better. You are simply a person who has been saved by the grace of God. You have nothing to be arrogant about. If you want to boast, boast in the Lord.

Change begins in you!