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Memorise: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall’ (I Corinthians 10:12).
Pastor Adeboye
Read: 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 |
| Another factor responsible for quenching the pentecostal fire is over-confidence. This involves having a highly bloated ego, an above normal confidence in one’s knowledge, ability or possessions. It is a sister to pride. The over confident person will boast of his ability and dare situations or challenges in his power. Usually, he will return with a tale of woe and defeat. You will not fall prey to this vice in Jesus name. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Over Confidence introduces some measure of laziness or slothfulness into anyone possessing it.
In his mock – West African School Certificate (WASC) Examination, a particular student came tops in Economics. The Economics teacher was so impressed and highly commended him before his colleagues. Unable to handle it, the boy believed nothing will stop him from repeating the same feat during the main WASC Examination. So he stopped reading Economics and gave time to other subjects. By the time the result was released, his performance in the subject was disappointing. Every area of strength is usually a target for over confidence. Can you pray? Watch it. Can you preach very well? Watch it. Is God using you to perform miracles? Watch out. If care is not taken, you will soon become victim of over-confidence. Our reading warns those who are spiritually strong to be on their guard against over confidence or else they will fall.
Peter was always first when it comes to following Christ. This was well known to the other disciples. Shortly, before the betrayal of Jesus, the Lord singled him out for warning. He told Him not to worry about his commitment. He assured the Lord nothing would derail him. Then Satan struck. Peter could not believe his eyes. He could not even withstand a young maid in defending his faith in Christ. How bitterly he wept. Over confidence reduced Samson to a common prisoner. He was so confident of his anointing that he felt it did not matter whether he disclosed his secret of greatness or not. But he soon found out that it did matter. An up-and-coming brother was warned to be careful in his closeness with a particular sister, who was attracted to him because of the anointing on his life. The brother dismissed all fears saying, he knows the difference between love and lust. Not long after, she was pregnant for him. If you say, “I don’t need to prepare a sermon or pray for hours before going to minister; all I have to do is go to the place and the Holy Ghost will take over” that is over-confidence. You are on your way to a fall.
From today, cultivate your strengths with humility, more hard work and prayer. |
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Disappointment, disgrace and shame are sisters of over-confidence. They always flock together. Disown over-confidence today! |
Hey this was really good…so many great scriptures and good points in the end.
It was really a very powerful message