Rising to the Top

“Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD” Proverbs 16:5

Proud – The Biblical image for pride is quite physical. Gevah is literally about what is high. A high mountain, a high tower, a high wall. From this very physical context, the meaning of gebah is transferred to human beings. Pride is about what is lifted up, what seeks to be at the top. And in the Biblical worldview, that place is reserved for God alone.

Our culture endorses another worldview. The very vocabulary we use exposes our anti-Biblical mindset. “Getting to the top”, “climbing the career ladder”, “being number one” and other phrases all declare this world’s priorities. We want to take our place at the summit. We want to best of the best. And when we get there, we want everyone to know.

How difficult it is to work and play in a culture that is possessed with a “top dog” mentality. From clothing brands and sports teams to career choices and housing communities, we attempt to negotiate for greatness. If we took this verse seriously, we might have to answer some very hard questions:

Do my career choices reflect God’s view of humility or my view of success?

Do I strive to live in a community of the “hive’s” or am I seeking a community of those in need?

Does my church hold up its status and image or does it display sacrifice without recognition?

Do my spending habits endorse a culture of assent or a commitment to service?

Do I seek recognition above devotion?

Is service more important than submission?

God looks deeply within my heart, sifting out those areas of my life that strive to ascend. He knows my motives even when I disguise them with my actions. Am I a man who is willing to live in life’s basement so that others can see God’s glorious temple?