When Self-Confidence Is a Weakness
G.K. Chesterton, in his book Orthodoxy, tells of a time when a friend of his said of somebody passing by,
“That man will get on; he believes in himself.” Chesterton responded, “Shall I tell you where the men are who believe most in themselves? For I can tell you. I know of men who believe in themselves more colossally than Napoleon or Caesar…I can guide you to the thrones of the Super-men. The men who really believe in themselves are all in lunatic asylums…It would be much truer to say that a man will certainly fail because he believes in himself. Complete self-confidence is not merely a sin; complete self-confidence is a weakness.”
Jesus, himself, said, “The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father living in me, who is doing his work” (14:10b). Jesus has been eternally in submission to the Father by the Spirit. And when he walked this earth, his number one goal was to be in relationship with the Father, relying on God and obeying him completely, by the Spirit. Surely that’s what it’s all about. Jesus’ example teaches us to place our confidence in God, not ourselves. The most consistent way to do that is to develop a daily relationship with Jesus.
How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? Are you trying to follow “his rules” or are you following him? How do you know if you’re following him? The first question to ask yourself is, “How much do I talk with him?”
Knowing your spiritual gifts will help you to fulfill God's purpose in your life. This ebook can be used in small groups. Through a spiritual gifts survey, you'll learn which are your primary gifts. You'll also learn how to begin using your gifts for God's glory. Included at the back of the book is a small group guide, taking you step by step through a four week plan to help your small group discover your gifts together.
If you want to learn more about your God given identity and what you are called to then pick up you free eBook Spiritual Gifts eBook you can also use our online Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire to easily discover what spiritual gifts are strongest in you