Confidence can be a very admirable trait. However, there is a big difference between confidence and arrogance. “What makes the difference?” you ask. One word. Humility. To be humble is to put others first, but arrogance puts you first. This modern day parable of an arrogant CEO reminds us to be kind to everyone.
The chief executive officer is curt with his wife on the phone. Notice how he tells her not to make him angry? He speaks from a place of entitlement, uncaring of how his tone is making her feel.
Then he immediately shows anger to the patron in the gym.
“Hey, buddy. Gym’s closed. Okay?”
And if that wasn’t bad enough, the janitor tries to warn him about the wet floor before he slips. In turn, the CEO fires the janitor. Where’s the gratitude?
“You’re fired.” His words are devoid of any sympathy.
How many of us have had bosses, teachers, or even parents who thought of themselves as better than we are? They spoke down to us, giving commands rather than suggestions. And they didn’t want to hear feedback from us either. In their minds, they already knew more. What could we possibly have to teach them?
These people do not exhibit love and warmth at all. Just the opposite. And in some circumstances they use their power to push us further beneath them.
But there is hope. Here are two scripture verses I would like to share.
“You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.” Genesis 50:20
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
Even in our lowest moments, God can turn our situations around and make us greater than we were before, even greater than those who persecute us.
People who fall into arrogance seek to advance themselves before others. Yet, God promises his followers the opposite,