Embracing God's Sovereignty: Overcoming Pride and Arrogance

In the book of James, we are warned about the dangers of pride and arrogance. James specifically addresses those who boast about their own plans and accomplishments without acknowledging the sovereignty of God. He writes, "Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’ — yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil" (James 4:13–16).

James is addressing a form of pride that often goes unnoticed — the pride of self-reliance. When we become consumed with our own wisdom, power, and riches, we are tempted to deny the existence of anything greater than ourselves. This form of pride leads us to look down on others, as C.S. Lewis pointed out, and blinds us to the reality of God's presence in our lives. As the psalmist writes, "In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, 'There is no God'" (Psalm 10:4).

One reason pride rejects the existence of God is because it cannot tolerate His intimate involvement in every aspect of our lives. Pride does not like the idea that God is sovereign and in control of even the smallest details. It wants to be the master of its own destiny, free from any higher authority. This is why James calls it arrogance when we make plans without acknowledging God's sovereignty.

James encourages us to instead humbly submit to the will of God in all things. He suggests that instead of confidently declaring our own plans, we should recognize that it is ultimately God who determines our future. We should say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live, and we will do this or that." By acknowledging God's sovereignty, we are reminded that He is the one who ultimately controls the outcome of our plans and our very lives.

To overcome the arrogance of pride, we must have unwavering faith in God's sovereign future grace. We can find comfort and assurance in His promises to be with us, to show Himself mighty on our behalf, and to equip us with all we need to live for His glory. The remedy for pride is trusting in God's faithfulness and resting in His unfailing love.

As we delve deeper into the Scriptures, we discover numerous examples of God's sovereignty and His involvement in the lives of His people. From the story of Joseph, who went from being sold into slavery to becoming a ruler in Egypt, to the account of Esther, who was chosen to save her people from destruction, we see God's hand at work in every detail. These stories serve as a reminder that God is not only interested in the big events of our lives, but also in the everyday moments that may seem insignificant.

God's sovereignty extends beyond our plans and accomplishments. He is also intimately involved in our struggles and hardships. In the book of Job, we see how God allowed Satan to test Job, but ultimately used the trial to bring about a greater purpose. Job, in the midst of his suffering, acknowledged God's sovereignty and declared, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15). Job understood that even in the most difficult circumstances, God was in control.

In addition to these biblical examples, we can also look to our own lives and see how God's sovereignty has been at work. There may have been times when we faced unexpected challenges or experienced unforeseen blessings. In those moments, we can find comfort in knowing that God is in control and that He has a purpose for everything that happens.

Trusting in God's sovereignty does not mean that we passively sit back and do nothing. Rather, it means that we seek His guidance and align our plans with His will. As we make our plans, we should always be open to His leading and be willing to adjust our course if He directs us in a different direction. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."

By embracing God's sovereignty, we can find freedom from the pride and arrogance that so easily entangles us. We can rest in the knowledge that He is in control and that His plans for us are good. As we surrender our own plans and desires to Him, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from walking in His will.

So, as we navigate through life, let us remember the words of James. Let us humbly acknowledge God's sovereignty in all things and trust in His unfailing love. Let us surrender our own plans and desires, and instead seek His guidance and direction. And let us find comfort and assurance in knowing that He is in control, both now and for all eternity.