I Can Do It Myself

I Can Do It Myself

Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.

Proverbs 21:4

You say, “I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!” And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

Revelation 3:17

“God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

1 Peter 5:5–6

“I don’t need any help. I can do it myself.” Have you ever said that? At one time or another, most of us want to prove that we are capable enough, smart enough, or strong enough to do things on our own. We don’t want to be seen as weak or needy.

The Bible calls this determined self-sufficiency pride. It also tells us that God hates pride (hate is a pretty strong word, isn’t it?) and that God opposes the proud. Rather than applauding the person who has an “I can do it myself” attitude, God actually turns away from or goes against that person.

So what is God looking for instead of pride and self-sufficiency? He wants us to admit that we can’t go through life without him, that we don’t have what it takes to create a meaningful life on our own. We need to acknowledge that we aren’t strong enough to overcome our sinful desires and we aren’t smart enough to understand what is right and true. In other words, God wants us to admit that we need him. Faith is an ongoing dependence on God in place of dependence on ourselves. Rather than hearing us say, “I can do it myself,” God longs to hear, “God, I need you. I can’t do it on my own.”

DISCUSSION STARTERS

When are some times you need the help of others or the help of God?

Why do you think God hates pride?

What are some practical ways we can battle pride and cultivate humility in our lives?