Just because it is thought differently does not mean victims are never proud. Let’s consider Nebuchadnezzar’s desires.Bible Reference - Daniel 4:30 “[Nebuchadnezzar] said, ‘Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my might power and for the glory of my majesty?’”
Story Recap - Nebuchadnezzar is a king who finishes a beautiful palace. As he struts about the roof over looking his kingdom, he boasts. Immediately he goes mad for a time but eventually turns to God and has his kingdom restored.
Reflection -
Nebuchadnezzar desired affirmation of his achievements (“I built”), acknowledgement of his power (“my power”), and adoration (“glory of my majesty”). Basically, he was self-centered, proud and greedy.
I think many times, we have this same attitude but in another extreme. Instead of claiming complete control for the good we have. We claim zero control for the bad we have. Both extremes still show our desire for validation of our power for good alone (that is why any bad we could have is not our fault), adoration and vindication.
Therefore, I have re-written this verse for those who are in negative circumstances...
“Is this not a pathetically broken situation!?! I had no part in creating because I’v been only victimized. I have used all my control for good. I should therefore be viewed as wonderful yet victimized. Others should be seen as mean and/ or wrong. Please feel sorry for me, validate me, affirm all my actions and shun all others. Don’t critique me or disagree.”
Sound familiar? Sound convicting? It is this kind of pride and 100% validation that is sinful and will eventually drive us to insanity. The truth is “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. We ought not live our lives justifying our perfection or defending our faults. Rather, in humility before the Lord, we press on.
Prayer-
Lord, convict us of our failures. Where we have been wronged, heal us. But also, allow us to not be so defensive that we cannot see areas, even in these situations, were we have acted wrongly. Thank you that you can use fallen vessels to achieve your good purposes. Help us to glory in YOUR glory instead of living lives trying to validate our own.
