Christ-Honoring Confidence

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Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7 (NKJV)



Two ducks and a frog were great friends. One year as their pond was drying up they decided they should change locales. The two ducks could easily fly to the next pond over, but what about their friend the frog? The solution to their dilemma was for the two ducks to fly side-by-side with a stick in their beaks. The frog would hold on to the stick with his mouth. All was going well when they flew over an adjacent farm. The farmer saw them and commented, "That's great! I wonder whose idea that was?" The frog said, "It was mine." Indeed, "pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)



When confidence in our abilities and resources changes to pride and then becomes arrogance, there's trouble ahead. So how do we find balance? Simply by remembering that every gift, ability, talent, and resource we have has come from God. There's nothing sinful about recognizing and confessing what God has provided, but the difference between self-confidence and Christ-honoring confidence is found in who gets the credit. A good way to keep this at the forefront of our life is to practice the art of thanksgiving. It's hard to be too self-confident when we acknowledge we are nothing without God. The apostle Paul said I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That translates into living confidently - as long as your confidence is in Christ.