Yesterday I ran into a man who was so arrogant and so sure of himself that I wondered what would happen if all of his dreams and plans went up in smoke. I don't know the man but have seen him before and he was standing in line at the grocery store telling someone what he was doing in his self-directed company and how great it was and how much money he was making. Now, having self-confidence and believing in yourself is one thing, but this man made it clear that he had all the answers to the problems of the world and he needed no one else. Even the check out fellow at the cash register wondered if I could believe what he was saying.
Thinking about it when I got home, I thought about the passage from 1 Corinthians which is included above. Not only does it make it clear that the man in question doesn't have all the answers, it goes much deeper than that for man without the wisdom and guidance of God is basically a fool. The passage explains how God made Himself to be wise and that He also made us pure and holy. That explains our creation by Him in His image, for He designed us that way and with our proper use of free will, we will act and live that way. With the freedom from sin that gives us, it means that in order to accept that gift we must live by and for Him. So, if we do what He asks and live by His guidance, doesn't that mean any boasting we do must be about God since God has given it all to us?
Sadly, that man and all who think like him are in for a rude awakening if they don't open themselves to the truth. God is the Truth and if we want to receive His ultimate gift of everlasting life we must accept it. And for that overly confident man who thinks all of his good fortune is all done on his own, he will be surprised at some point and it could be when his fortunes change on earth or after his mortal body dies and he has to face the truth. And while it sounds like he does have quite the talent for what he is doing, just think how much grander it would be if he turned his heart over to Jesus and let Him guide his way. Picture how much more he could accomplish and how much more good he could do, not just for himself and his family, but mankind as well. Despite the way we often like to praise the so called self-made man, there is no such thing. We were made by God and when we open our heart and let Him guide and direct us, the God-made man that we are meant to be will do amazing things using His amazing grace. After all, He wants the absolute best for us since He loves us so.
God bless you all as the weekend draws near and let the Light of Love and the Hope of Mankind direct everything we do. It's what life was created for and it's the Way to the Truth.