Matthew 18:1-3

April 20, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 18‬:‭1‬-‭3‬)

The disciples seemed to regularly struggle over the title of “Greatest in the Kingdom.” In other words, they struggled with pride. This can be hard to process because many of us have a distorted view of the disciples as already sanctified and wearing their saintly crowns. After all, they were sitting at Jesus’ feet. They had dropped everything to follow him. They were doing it!

All of that is true. But they were normal people like us. They didn’t immediately “get it.” They had to process Jesus’ teaching about pride (and everything else!), and grow in their understanding and sanctification. This story about their pride shows they didn’t immediately get it. And it reminds me that too frequently I don’t get it, either!

It is so easy to allow pride to eat us alive. And this lesson for the disciples lands on me … heavily.

Pride is an interesting sin because it can present itself in very different ways. The loud, boisterous braggart or a shy, timid person can both be infected with pride. One just seems more obvious than the other. The organizational leader who somehow makes every employee recognition celebration about himself is filled with pride. The world-class pianist who quietly assures onlookers that he can hardly play the piano may surely be letting his pride show through false humility.

Jesus’ antidote to the sin of pride is almost funny. One of the last things a proud adult would choose to be is a child. Yet, Jesus said that the disciples would miss the kingdom of heaven if they didn’t “turn and become like children.” Jesus didn’t mean to be childish; he meant to be humble and dependent on God in the sense of Psalm 20:17 – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

So much more could be said about pride, but absorbing the above is probably plenty for today.

Father, please help me recognize and then eradicate the pride that is buried deep in my heart. Help me to be humble and recognize my dependence on you. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, humility, Jesus Said, Matthew, New Testament, pride

John 2:16

March 14, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“And he told those who sold the pigeons, ‘Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.’”

Jesus gave a corrective warning to those seeking to profit from the religious activities at the temple. These were people specifically targeting worshippers. In other words, their purpose was to make money off of those who came to worship.

This story always reminds me of the souvenir vendors at the Shepherds’ Field in Bethlehem. Each morning, they start the day at the gate. As tourists enter, the vendors follow them, arms extended, displaying trinkets for sale. With each group, the vendors manage to go a little further into the property. Eventually, a nun will run them out of the gate and off the property. Then, the slow creep begins all over. Throughout the day, this routine is repeated several times.

As a business owner, this verse hits close to home. I have to guard my heart so that I don’t join a church for the financial opportunities that could come. Furthermore, I have to guard my heart so that I am not mentally angling for business while I am at church. I don’t believe this means I cannot provide my services to church members, but I need to guard my heart so that is not my motivation for being there.

I believe this warning also applies to pastors who must guard their hearts so that they are not mentally angling to make money beyond their salary from their congregants. To help avoid this potential heart conflict, some churches require their pastoral staff to sign a non-compete contract. In this age of the “side hustle,” this seems like a good idea.

Father, please help me have a pure heart focused on you when I gather with your people. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Integrity, Jesus Said, John, motivations, New Testament, pride

John 1:22-23

March 13, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“So they said to him [John the Baptist], “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

What stands out to me is John’s clarity of his calling or purpose in life. We see here and elsewhere that John was completely settled in his role as the forerunner to Jesus. He shows no jealousy that he was not the light, but called to bear witness of the light.

This reminds me of a frustration I have at weddings. Often, the groomsmen intend to prank the groom and intentionally or unintentionally draw attention to themselves. Thus, rather than honoring the bride and groom, whose day it is, the groomsmen become the focal point.

John is a great model of humility, a model I want to embrace. He knows his role and plays it well.

Father, help me to be comfortable in the roles that you place me in, regardless of the role. Help me never – even unintentionally – to take your place or anyone else’s. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, humility, John, New Testament, pride

Hosea 12:8-9

December 30, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“Ephraim has said, ‘Ah, but I am rich; I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.’ I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast.” (Hosea 12:8-9)

Two things stand out to me: First, Ephraim’s pride. Ephraim is rich and believes he built it himself. Additionally, he claims sinlessness. 

How easy it is for a business owner (I’m thinking of me, specifically) to think he built it himself. After all, I got up early every day. I made the contacts. I did the teaching. I, I, I. Where is God in that calculation?

Second, God essentially said, “We’ll see about that.” God has a unique capacity to bring down the proud. In this case, will go back to tents in exile. And no doubt, some went kicking and screaming, “Why me? I didn’t do anything!” Why is my pride do heard to wrestle? This reminds me of substituting in a junior high In School Suspension recently. Out of the 12 or so kids who came through, not one of them did anything to be there. The system was simply against them. No amount of reasoning could bring them to admit any wrongdoing. 

Father, help me to crucify my flesh and my pride that I may serve you in righteousness. Amen. 

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Hosea, humility, Old Testament, pride

Daniel 11:32

December 17, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” (Daniel 11:32)

This verse seems to be describing folks in a specific situation under the influence of Antiochus Epiphanes. However, the core elements are surely applicable to me. 

There are two groups of people: those who violate the covenant (with God) and those who don’t. The former are moved by flattery, which is nothing more than insincere praise. In my mind, this person is driven – even manipulated – by pride, and thus they are seduced with flattery. 

The latter stand firm because they know their God. I surely want my pride to be in check so that I’m not tempted to evil by flattery. Humility can be a tremendous asset in these situations. I also want to know God deeply, so deeply that I stand firm in my faith when worldly offers are tossed my way. 

Father, please help me to be humble, so that I remain faithful to you rather than be drawn away by flattery. Amen.

Filed Under: Daniel, devotional thoughts, humility, Old Testament, pride
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