"For if a man think himself to be something,
when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself."
(Galatians 6:3)
When it comes to spiritual deception, we frankly do not need to acquire it from someone else, for we are more than capable of quite independently deceiving our own selves! It is not difficult to yield to the temptation of thinking oneself to be somewhat more spiritual and "closer to God" than our fellows, very conveniently forgetting the perhaps all too unpalatable but nevertheless basic truth that, as Isaiah under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit averred, "ALL OUR RIGHTEOUSNESSES ARE AS FILTHY RAGS!" (Is. 64:6). Spiritual pride is a seductive snare, and one that so easily snaps shut on the unwise and the unwary. Let us all remember that it is the meek, and not the proud, who shall inherit the earth! (Ref. Matthew 5:5)
I penned the following little tongue-in-cheek poem a good many years ago, and in sharing it here now I'd like to think that it might have the capacity to raise a smile or two. But so much more importantly than this, I would hope that it could emphasize the absolute folly of our indulging in the sin of spiritual pride, and encourage a proper humility before our Most High and holy God, the Creator of all!
THE SOBERING STORY OF DANIEL DAVIES
One Daniel Davies, chief deacon at Zion,
To show lesser mortals his holiness, planned
To spend a whole night in the den of a lion,
Emerging next day with it licking his hand!
"See sense!" his friends pleaded, "Dan, this could get ugly!
At least take a cudgel!" they begged, "Or a pistol!"
But Daniel Davies declined, smiling smugly,
And caught the 12.40 from Cardiff to Bristol.
"A deacon must do what a deacon must do!"
The beat of the wheels of the train seemed to echo;
From Temple Meads Station he made for the zoo,
And straight to the lion house went for a decko.
That night, the soft moonlight saw Daniel stand
Within the den's walls, of all caution bereft.
Next morning, the lion WAS licking his hand:
The only thing was... this was all that was left!
* * * * * * *
"To this man will I look,
even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit,
and trembleth at my word."
(Isaiah 66:2)
"If any man desire to be first,
the same shall be last of all,
and servant of all."
(Mark 9:35)
* * * * * * *
