Do you know someone who thinks that they are “God’s gift to women” or “God’s gift to men” (as the sayings sometimes go)? I have known of preachers who thought they were “God’s gift to a congregation” and elders who thought they were “God’s gift to an eldership” and employees who thought they were “God’s gift to their job” and spouses who thought they were “God’s gift to this marriage,” etc., etc. “Where would they be without me? It’s a good thing they have me, otherwise they would be in really bad shape! I hope they realize what they have in me!”
Do you realize how often the Bible speaks about the need for humility? Read these phrases slowly from First Peter chapter 5: “Be clothed with humility. God resists the proud. God gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God” (5:5-6). Reread them.
Is it any wonder that it is in THIS context of the need for humility and the danger of pride that God then warns about the dangers and devouring nature of the devil? “Be sober, be watchful” (1 Pet. 5:8)!