“But don’t just listen to God’s Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” – James 1:22 (NLT)
How do you get rid of a negative characteristic in your life? The first step is desiring a change. Once you desire a change in any area of your life, you must act on the Word of God. Be a doer of the Word. Respond to God’s Word and live accordingly. So, in dealing with arrogance, for example, you act on the Word. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT) says: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ…” The key to overcoming arrogance is walking in love.
The Bible says in Galatians 5:22-23: “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.” The fruit of the Spirit refers to the natural product of the recreated human spirit, the born-again spirit. These qualities are part of your innate nature, and love is one of them.
Moreover, the works of the flesh are listed in Galatians 5:19-21, and arrogance is of the flesh. Choose to walk in humility, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. These qualities are already within your spirit. Cultivate and develop them by walking in love. Every day, declare, “I will walk in love.” Make that decision, and you’ll experience the glory of God in a remarkable way, because love is His nature and the way of victory.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank You for Your Word that purifies and renews my heart. Help me to walk in humility, meekness, and love toward others. Arrogance has no place in my spirit, for the beauty of Christ is seen and heard in my words, thoughts, and actions. Help me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Ephesians 4:1-2; 1 John 2:3-5
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 12:28; Proverbs 13:1-9; John 14; 1 Samuel 14:24-52; 1 Samuel 15