“We must not become conceited, challenging or provoking one another, envying one another.”
— Galatians 5:26
We must not become conceited (having self-deluded conceit), provoking and irritating others with who we think we are and what we think we know, and being bitter because of someone else’s success.
Instead of living in the flesh (in the old sinful nature), live by following the Holy Spirit’s guiding. Obey Him. (vs 25)
Remember, you belong to Christ Jesus and have purposefully given to Him your old, sinful nature, effectively crucifying it—your old way of living—to be saved and follow Him. (vs 24)
When you believed in Jesus for salvation, you intentionally gave Him your old life—you put your life on the cross—and you accepted from Him the new life He gives that is guided and used by the Holy Spirit for God’s holy purposes. You chose to become His servant and child.
So, walk by the Spirit—obey Him—and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. (vs 16)
Think of nothing else. Give yourself no credit. It’s only because of God that you have what you do and you’ve done what you’ve done. You have no basis to actively be conceited, arrogant or boast. God gave you everything. He called you to do those things. God empowered you and gave what was necessary to do that for which He called you to obey. Nothing you have and nothing good you’ve done originated from you. You received from God all you have, your attributes, and your giftings. SO, you have no reason to be conceited. Instead thank God and give Him all the praise.
