Blind and Stubborn

It was an attitude that angered God: When His people refused to humble themselves before Him. When, instead of listening, they eagerly justified themselves. They didn’t seek Him but were confident in themselves and their own ideas.

This is the kind of stubborn, independent attitude many people bring to their relationship with God. It is an attitude filled with pride and arrogance. It even is possible that Believers can have this attitude. How easy it can be for us to feel that we have everything figured out. That we have all the answers.

Jeremiah conveyed the force with which this attitude angered God. He was angry because they did not remember that He was God Almighty. Their Creator. Because they didn’t act as though there was anything they could learn from Him.

Throughout the Bible, God stressed the importance of humility. This was a central truth He gave to Isaiah: “To this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2).

This is the attitude God wants each of us to cultivate. Yes, He is angered by pride and arrogance. He wants us to learn the dangers of having confidence in ourselves. In fact, He warned that “the heart is more deceitful than all else.” How does He know? He is our Creator. But He also has searched and tested us (Jeremiah 17:5-10). But there is a special reward for those who trust in Him.

Make sure that you stay humble before God. Never take Him for granted. Remember, no matter how “intelligent” you may be, there is much more He can teach you. No matter how much you know, He has more revelation to provide.

Submit your way to Him. Let Him direct your path.