In God We Trust

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 20:7

Before his 1971 fight with Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali said, “There’s not a man alive who can whup me.” (He jabbed at the air with his blinding left.) “I’m too smart.” (He tapped his head.) “I’m too pretty.” (He showed the cameras his profile, like a bust on a pedestal.) “I am the greatest! I am the king! I should be on a postage stamp—that’s the only way I’ll get licked!” Then Ali lost to Frazier.

When confidence in one’s abilities and resources changes to pride and then becomes arrogance, there’s trouble ahead: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). So how do we find the balance? Simply by remembering that every gift, ability, talent, and resource we have comes from God.

There’s nothing sinful about recognizing and confessing what God has provided, but the difference between self-confidence and Christ-confidence is found in who gets the credit. A good way to keep this thought 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.

Live confidently—as long as your confidence is in Christ.