One good thing about remaining with our feet on the ground is that if we stumble and fall, we don’t have far to go. It is when we find ourselves at an elevated height that we become keenly aware of the serious injury a fall could bring. On high scaffolding or other elevated platforms are posted warnings about using safety harnesses or bold red print stating “Watch Your Step!” On the edge of cliffs are signs warning that getting too close could result in falling over the edge. Unfortunately, there is not always such awareness in all areas of life. Someone has said, “Nothing is as difficult to do gracefully as getting off our high horse.” [source: calendar quote]
Whenever we have stumbled or fallen, how gracefully was it done? Usually not very! We lose a little of our dignity when we fall down, especially in the sight of others. The same is true spiritually. As awkward as it might be to dismount a high horse, the “high horse” of pride is even more so! There is nothing graceful about falling. However, God’s grace can help encourage us to get back up and get our focus and direction back on track.
Solomon warned. . .
“(17) The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. (18) Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:17-18 ESV)
We must be cautious. We need to remain watchful for the warning signs that pride is lifting us up in its saddle so that our focus can instead be reined in. If we find ourselves there, it is more important to come down than to save face, because of the real danger of remaining there. Paul mentioned that overseers who were puffed up with conceit would fall into condemnation. (1 Timothy 3:6) It remains true for all of us that pride sets us up for an injurious fall.
Peter exhorted. . .
“(5) Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (6) Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, (7) casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:5-7 ESV)
Whether the elevation be physical or in our mind, let us recognize the warning signs! Maintaining a humble spirit will help push pride aside and keep us on a level footing as we follow the direction of the Lord.
Have a great day RIDING A HUMBLE HORSE WITH GRACE!
Carl
