How Can I Be More Confident Without Being Prideful?
CONVERSATIONS
Is it really possible for a person to be humble and confident at the same time?
Let’s review again, the two ways Moses is described in the Bible:
1. Moses: a man of stature, was held in high regard, by Pharaoh’s men and his cabinet, with superstar status in the eyes of the public.
“Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.” Exodus11:3b
2. Moses: humblest man ever!
“Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.” Numbers 12:3
Here we have two, seemingly contradictory descriptions, of the same man. One described him as great, highly respected, and extremely successful leader, who singlehandedly produced supernatural, mind boggling actions, that brought a nation to its knees. Moses is forever immortalized as the great leader of Israel that saved his people.
Yet at the same time, he is depicted, for all posterity, as the humblest man ever, “more than any man”.
How can we follow Moses example?
How can we be confident and successful yet not fall into arrogance?
1. Like Moses, we can learn from our mistakes.
As a young man, Moses was impulsive and prideful. Remember when he suddenly decided to kill the Egyptian? “He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” Exodus 2:12
Later, as an older man, he swung to to the opposite extreme and became insecure and fearful.
He started giving God so many excuses not to lead.
“But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice . . .” Exodus 1:17
“I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Exodus 4:10
2. When making a decision, it helps to ask yourself:
a. What is my main focus: Is it to please me or to please God?
b. Who gets the credit with what I’m about to do?
Is this action simply “Me-honoring” or ”God-honoring”?
c. Where does my confidence lie? On human abilities or God’s commands?
3. Moses realized and acknowledged that his success and strength came from the Lord.
True Humility and Christ-like confidence is found in obeying God’s commands for your life.
This was the example Jesus gave us:
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 6:38
“I can do all things, through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You that we can be confident but not prideful.
Thank You for the example of Moses, that despite our sins and mistakes of the past, You can still use us to make a godly impact in the lives of others.
Help me not to camp out in the areas of Pride or Insecurity.
Give me boldness and willingness of heart to believe great things, knowing that my confidence and security comes from the greatness of my Lord and Savior , Jesus Christ. In His name, I pray. Amen.
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