Spiritual Arrogance, the Kiss of Death

Arrogance, for a leader, well, any Christian for that matter, is the kiss of death.

I read this story the other day on a blog. It's supposed to be a true story of a radio exchange that took place in October 1995 off the coast of Newfoundland between the American aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and Canadian authorities:

Americans: “Please divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.”

Canadians: “Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the south to avoid collision.”

Americans: “This is the captain of a U.S. Navy ship. I say again, divert your course!”

Canadians: “No, I say again, you divert YOUR course.”

Americans: “This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second-largest aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers and numerous support vessels.

“I DEMAND that you change your course 15 degrees north, or countermeasures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.”

Canadians: “This is a lighthouse. Your call."

I've known Christians who typically thought they were always right and a few who thought they were infallible. This is a recipe for shipwreck, ending up on the rocks. Humilty, especially in our opinion of ourselves is a must in this time we live.

I'd like to say to one impetious pastor I know. The gifts and callings of God are exactly that, gifts. Your title as pastor and your ordination are not badges to be worn on your puffed chest, rather graces of God to be a blessing to the body of Christ and build God's Kingdom, not your own.