1 Corinthians 10:12 Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence.
My dictionary defines hubris as “arrogance resulting from excessive pride.” It has been the fatal flaw in otherwise great people throughout history, this confidence deep within us that we have things under control. It often gets expressed in a round about way as we shake our heads in puzzlement wondering how others, past or present, could have been so blind or stupid or immature. Here Paul warns his friends in Corinth that they need to be careful. They feel that they are on top of things and others are missing the boat. There is an old saying, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” I hope the beginning of summer finds you feeling good about life and your place in it. I hope you are looking forward to enjoying long, warm days and restful nights. But I also hope you will remember that it is all a gift, a gift for which we will be held responsible by God. Will the change of season and schedule make us more self-focused or God-focused? May we learn this summer what Paul asked of the Corinthians: to cultivate God-confidence.
Don
Logan Memorial Presbyterian Church 