The Marks of a Christian - Do Not Be Haughty

If you are a follower of Jesus, your life should have outward marks that reflect your inward convictions. These marks signify that you live your life in a way that imitates Christ. Another mark of a Christian? “Do not be haughty” (Romans 12:16b).                      Haughty means being proud. Arrogant. Vain. Those who are haughty focus on themselves - not God - believing the world revolves around them. A haughty person thinks he is above others. Looking down on them. Thus the idea of being haughty, or high. Having an ego is indicative of a haughty spirit. The best definition of ego I’ve ever heard is Edging God Out. When we do so, it’s as if we’re saying to God, “I don’t need you,” which can lead to feelings of superiority over others, and the removal of His grace from our lives. “God despises the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). A haughty spirit will eventually wreak havoc on our lives. It’s the very sin that caused the devil to become the devil. Why? Because of haughtiness. Envy. Pride. He wanted Jesus’s seat in heaven and would stop at nothing to get it - even rebellion against his Creator. Conversely, we who follow Christ focus on the One who created all. We try our very best to lead humble, unassuming lives. Because we understand that everything we have is a gift from God.  Humility, not haughtiness, proves our love of God. And that we belong to Him alone.