Don't Lose Yourself on the Mountain

Study Verses:

·      Exodus 19:16-18

·      1 Kings 12:31; 15:14; 20:28

·      2 Kings 12:3; 14:4; 23:8

·      Psalm 30:6-7

·      Matthew 4:8-9

Recently during my Wednesday Bible Studies, I’ve been harboring on the idea of being too prideful or arrogant, and having to be brought down. This visual of being on the mountaintop—where you can see everything—is a stark contrast to being in the valley where you can’t see anything. The saying pride cometh before the fall is a concept that is often highlighted repeatedly throughout God’s Word. Being on the mountain, it’s easy to think that you have it all. But you can easily be back in the valley if you aren’t humble enough to praise God while on that mountain.

The idea of arrogance being made humble is pointed out during Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. This prayer was given by Hannah after she had received her desired gift—a son to dedicate to the Lord. Hannah was a prime example of the humble being exalted, and she gave praise to God for her miracle. And this prayer not only introduced the idea of pride vs. humility, but also hinted at an Upside Down Kingdom that God would bring. This is the same Upside Down Kingdom that Jesus preaches hundreds of years later!

The prideful, arrogant, wicked, and selfish have no place in God’s kingdom (Revelation 21:8). And constantly, the Bible reminds us that those who are in high power, and who seem to have everything going well, but refuse God, are going to have to come down. It is a good feeling when you’re on top, and when everything is going perfect. But it is also very tempting to get the attitude that you alone got yourself to the mountain. Isaiah 14:12 highlights the arrogant soul that wants to uplift himself higher than God, but meets his untimely end as an embarrassment. This is a direct reference to the Tower of Babel, where the people were scattered and lost after trying to reach heaven (Genesis 11:4).

When everything is going well, it’s easy to forget God. But do not forget! Do not start to think that you don’t need Him, because just as quickly as you are on top, that is how quickly you will be reminded that you do need Him. One thing you can do to ensure that you remain humble, is to always give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thank God for every little thing that comes your way, good and bad. When we recognize that we are unable to do anything apart from God, and recognize Him as our sole Provider and Creator, then we will not be so keen to uplift ourselves in times of blessings.

God is perfect in His justice (Deuteronomy 32:4). He knows who is truly humble and who is truly haughty. When we bring God to the forefront of our lives, then we can receive His blessing fully, because He knows that we will give that praise to Him, and no one else. Stay humble, so He can uplift you when the time is right (1 Peter 5:6).

Even when you’re on the mountain, God is still higher than you! Happy Studying!

-Sherry Amor