AUGUST 7, Romans 12:3

Yesterday we talked about bragging, today, we shall talk about something more subtle – conceit. While a braggart talks proudly about himself or something he owes, a conceited person harbours pride in his heart and thinks highly of himself. A braggart is easily identified when he shows pride but a conceited person may not display it.

Tim comes from a wealthy family. His father is a successful businessman, and the family lives in a large bungalow in an exclusive part of Singapore. His bedroom is larger than a small HDB flat. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he is used to luxurious living and travelling to faraway expensive places for vacation. As the only child, he is spoilt. He is driven to school in a chauffeur-driven car. At primary 3, he is given $10 a day for pocket money. He harbours conceit in his heart because his family is rich. Though he has been taught in church to be humble, he never gives much thought to it until one day, his conceitedness reveals itself.

His class is discussing holiday destinations. Each student is asked to share where he has been for holiday. Kok Leong, who comes from a poor family, is very excited and shouts out his that family has gone to Malacca. It was his first overseas trip and although Malacca is nearby, it was a big deal to Kok Leong. When it comes to Tim’s turn, he cannot hide his pride and exclaims he will not be excited if he has gone to Malacca. If it is America, Tim boasts, then he will be overjoyed and he also adds, “Malacca sounds like America, but they are very different, you know?”

Romans 12 from which today’s text is taken speaks of the unity of the Body of Christ. (Read the whole chapter) Conceitedness in Christians will destroy harmony and so causes division and disunity and lack of love for each other. Tim’s conceited nature creates a distance between himself and others, and he will not enjoy true fellowship with fellow believers.

Thought: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me not to be proud, but be humble. The Bible says it is wrong to be proud, and please help me not to fall into sin. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.