The danger of overconfidence is something we may dismiss until we are caught up in failure of our own making. The Bible often connects pride with overconfidence, leading to our downfall. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. [1]
Through faith in Jesus as our Savior, we have everything we need to live the Christian life. When we are overconfident, we forget that our success is because we have been relying on the Lord. When we think we can tackle life’s problems without God’s help, we fall into the pit of pride. In this overconfidence stage, we often let our guard down and are vulnerable to temptation.
Peter Was Overconfident
As the disciples ate their last supper, Jesus warned Peter that satan wanted to sift him like wheat. Luke 22:32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you and even to die with you.”[2]
Pride is subtle and can creep up on any of us because we all have blind spots. Instead of asking Jesus for help to overcome this temptation, Peter fell into the trap of thinking he was impervious. In these situations, our experiences or successes can close our eyes to the reality of our spiritual battle. Luke 22:34But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” [3]
Even when Jesus is blunt with Peter, he doesn’t believe he will fail. Sometimes, the only cure for pride is failure. If we are honest, along our spiritual journey, we have all had to learn some difficult lessons because of our pride.
Picking Up the Pieces
Failure can be a hard teacher as the Lord removes blind spots to humble us. The good news is that no matter my failure, I can come to the cross, confess my sins, and ask Jesus to forgive me. Perhaps your life is a mess, and the Lord is calling you to come to the cross. The enemy is the one who lies to us and says God won’t receive us, but that is not true. It is not if we will experience failure in life, but when.
What makes the difference is how we handle the failure. Deciding to humble myself and come to the cross of Jesus to ask forgiveness is possible when I rely on the Lord’s strength. Philippians 4:13For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. [4] Take God’s hand and let Him lead you to the cross, admitting you are a weak vessel. When I have a teachable spirit, I am open to God’s direction and guidance, guarding me from pride.
To learn about the danger of overconfidence, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/counted-among-rebels
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.