DON’T BECOME PROUD

Luke 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

There is a mentality that comes when men taste power: they are tempted to assume a state of superiority akin to ‘a far above everyone mindset’. Such individuals behave like the Judge captured in the Gospel of Luke 18:4 who could say ‘I neither fear God nor man’.

Yet, today’s text from the magnificat or Mary’s song of praise lifts a resistance and a reminder of how God relates to the group of men characterised above “he casts the mighty from the thrones, and raises the lowly.” This is in sharp contrast with the posture of the 24 elders before the throne who voluntarily cast their crowns.

Positions of power and influence have a way of eating away at the souls of men, such that if left unchecked, can pit them against other men and even God himself. The reason is because at the heart of elevation and rebellion would be pride, and God vehemently resists the proud.

King Nebuchadnezzer lost his estate the very moment he claimed personal ownership and not custodianship, attributing his achievements to his own might and majesty. He was restored to the seat of power only after acknowledging that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men (Daniel 4:17,37).

I know you have much, I don’t disagree, but don’t let it get to your head lest you forget that you are a custodian and pride takes seat in your heart.

#sly