Humility and Confidence
October 20, 2006
A man's steps are directed by the LORD.
How then can anyone understand his own way? - Proverbs 20:24 (New International Version)
The very steps we take come from God;
otherwise how would we know where we're going? - Same verse (The Message)
γνώθι σεαυτόν (Greek Proverb inscribed at the entrance to the temple of Apollo at Delphi) - Translation: "Know thyself."
There is a conflict between what the Oracle of Delphi prescribes and what the sage of Jerusalem decrees. The Greek proverbs adjures us to know ourselves and the Proverbs tell us that we cannot completely know ourselves. There are factors that are like ingredients in the mix of our lives that are beyond our grasp and deeper than our introspection.
Alexander Pope boasted,
"Know then thyself, presume not God to scan;
The proper study of mankind is
Man."
While not being altogether in error in his observation, he is not all-inclusive.
God is guiding our lives. Chance meetings evolve into lifetime relationships; courses are changed in a moment; entire destinies are altered by a word or deed of seemingly marginal significance.
God is guiding us, leading us, nudging us, preparing us, and building a highway of destiny for us. Of course, we can rebel and pridefully avoid His grace, but it will never be dismissed entirely. We simply do not know everything there is t know about ourselves and our purpose on this planet.
We need a dose of humility to boost our confidence.
Walk in wonder with a deepening appreciation for the mysteries of God in you. Liv e in awe and expectancy. temper your confidence with humility and your humility with courage. Leave some things dangling in your self perception. Don't lock yourself into hard and fast definitions of yourself. First know God and let Him introduce you to yourself.
He has always known you.