“Since we live by the Spirit, let us
walk in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and
envying one another.” (Galatians 5:25-26)
Since we have died to ourselves and live
in Christ, we have the Spirit living in us, with resultant spiritual fruit. So
why then do we seek glory and act conceited about our status, income, heritage,
discipline, et cetera? Conceit is sin, not a fruit of the Spirit. Living
conceitedly becomes an open challenge to a contest, which leads to battles
internal and external, battles waging in our being and with other people.
Conceit is our desire to set ourselves up as better or greater than someone
else.
That is not all that happens. Conceit can cause other people to sin. Our attempt to grasp glory on earth causes others to believe striving for more attention, for whatever reason, is something to which to attain. This striving comes from envy. Envy is not a spiritual fruit but shows our discontent with and distrust of God and His provision.
The person who seeks glory challenges others to battles. He envies other people’s status. This person's actions create obstacles for others, as they promote their own lifestyle as the ideal. This conceited lifestyle leads to people competing for preeminence in various aspects of life. It causes envy among themselves and discontent and distrust in God.
Jesus Christ does not advocate living in a way to appear superior to others. Consider what Paul wrote about Jesus in Philippians 2:6-7. “(Jesus) who existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
Instead, we should live like Jesus through the guidance and gifts of His Holy Spirit who lives in each Christian. Instead of being conceited, quarrelsome, and envious, and instead of causing other people to stumble and follow that same way of life, live life with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Which fruit will you produce: the fruit of the Holy Spirit or the fruit of the flesh?
What do you need to confess to God and
give to Him in voluntary submission today? He gives you the ability through His
Spirit to take that first step.
