Grace or Pride; Which Serves Best?

Cultural responses can be perceived as prideful. Often when we are living in a culture different to what we are accustomed to we will do something that is misunderstood. It can be the way we speak about something, or in our mannerisms as we recount an event. It can be a handshake, the tilt of a head, looking directly at someone when you speak with them – eye to eye contact. All these things can be perceived as prideful when done differently or at what is thought to be the incorrect moment. You may believe your response is humble, light hearted and carefree. Your intention may be friendly and spontaneous; others may consider it as prideful and rude.

Culture can be confusing. Culture can seem impossible to minister in. We may even consider the environment awkward; one too difficult to build and establish a community of believers in.

It is not. It can’t be.

Our essential reaction to those who would accuse us is a gracious response. They may call us proud and rude expressing anger when they do so. Pride will cause us to defend ourselves, to become angry and frustrated. This is not necessary. A quiet and gentle answer will serve the best.

Wisdom and patience are needed to prepare for such encounters. If our words and actions are not sin before the Lord we can rest in Him. However, we need to be humble with those we encounter, with those whom we hope to minister to. Humility wins more than pride, it gains more ground, and earns favor with others. Pride divides. When we serve others with humility the Lord will provide the wisdom we need to respond with grace, kindness and care.

• Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God (2 Corinthians 3:5).

• Apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5).

• He gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)

• The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor (Proverbs 15:33).

• For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite (Isaiah 57:15).

• Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God … I also have heard you, declares the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:27).

• Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2).

1. Have you considered ways to respond when others misunderstand anything and everything you say and do?

2. What should you do with those who have already misunderstood your words, ways, and your walk – the way you speak of and about the Lord?

3. How should you be praying about the way others see and hear you?

4. Do you need to change, if so, how?

#culture #misunderstanding #humility #pride