The Israelites had many faults, many with which we ourselves struggle. One fault that is particularly distasteful to God is self-exaltation. Moses warned the Jews to beware of this once they entered the land with which God would bless them (Deuteronomy 8:11-18). When we exalt ourselves, there are usually two things that we do wrong.

The first thing we do wrong is give ourselves credit that is undeserved. Man loves to think higher of himself than he should. Paul said, “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Galatians 6:3).  There are a lot of people who are deceived. This is often manifested by man praising himself when he does not deserve it. This is what Moses warned the Israelites not to do.

Deuteronomy 8:17 (ESV)
¹⁷ Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.

To make a statement such as this, is to forget about all the help we receive in our achievements, whatever they may be. Often, this has to do with the accumulation of material things. Generally speaking, one has to have a skill in order to have an occupation where he can make money. The question is, who taught us the skill that ultimately resulted in achieving wealth, or even just the ability to make a living and provide for our families? Who gave us a job that led to the opportunities that we have had in life? We should realize that we really never achieved anything by ourselves. Do you remember the question Paul asked the arrogant saints at Corinth?

1 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)
⁷ … What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

Those are good questions. The answer to the first one is nothing. The answer to the second, that is, why one might boast as if he has obtained what he has all by himself, is that he has become guilty of self-exaltation.

The second thing that is wrong with self-exaltation, and it is worse than the first, is it fails to demonstrate proper appreciation to God. Moses began his warning to the Israelites by saying, “Take care lest you forget the Lord your God…” That is exactly what self-exaltation does—it forgets all about God. Rest assured that when that takes place, it does not sit well with God. This was in part what brought the wrath of God upon the Gentiles (Romans 1:18ff.). When naming their sins, Paul specifically mentioned that they were not thankful and, therefore, they did not glorify God.

When we give ourselves credit for things for which we should be thanking God, we put ourselves in the precarious position of displeasing Him and bringing His wrath down upon us. Let us be careful that we do not brag about the power and strength of our own hands, when in reality it is the power of God’s providential hand that provides us with all good gifts. Most importantly, let us not forget that the most important thing we possess—the salvation of our souls—was only made possible by the grace of our loving Father in heaven. Never brag about being a Christian or for having the many spiritual blessings that you possess. Let us, instead, say with Paul, “I am what I am by the grace of God.”

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.