God doesn’t care about the artificial lines we draw to make ourselves feel superior to others. In God’s eyes, we are all equal. God’s Word and His message of salvation are far more important than and superior to any lines we draw in the sand, any distinctions we make among us. We need to give up on our superiority and our desire to be” better than.

 

Put It into Practice: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of your life where you struggle with a superiority complex. What would it take for you to approach those areas with humility? Do you need to seek forgiveness from anyone?

 

Day 1       John 4:5-42

Reflect: What cultural expectations suggest that the interaction between Jesus and the woman is inappropriate? What lessons do you learn about superiority from Jesus’ encounter with her?  

Apply:  What cultural expectations have you observed/experienced that give a sense of superiority to one group over another? When have you helped someone overcome an issue like this?

Pray:    Father, it is wonderful to know that no one is excluded from drinking the living water of life! Lord, may Your love and refreshment flow from me to all I come in contact with today. 

 

Day 2      2 Kings 5:1-19

Reflect: How do the mindsets of superiority and inferiority impact behaviors in this story? How was the tension resolved? Do you think Elisha’s actions with Naaman were intentional? Why/why not?

Apply:   When and why have you felt someone was not treating you how you should be treated? Are you more apt to agree with someone who feels offended, or do you help them overcome it?     

Pray:    Lord, help me to be like the servant girl, ready and willing to tell others that You died for their sin and rose again. Thank You that whoever believes in You will not perish but have everlasting life.

 

Day 3     Matthew 9:9-13

Reflect: How did Matthew’s occupation as a tax collector impact his reputation? What does Jesus’ immediate call to Matthew reveal? What do verses 12 and 13 mean to you?  

Apply:   What situations have made you feel inferior (your education, income, gender, physical appearance, faith, etc.)? How did you, or could you, overcome it? What would Jesus say about it? 

Pray:     Loving Father, give me Your heart for those around me who are lost. Help me to follow Your example of lovingly reaching the spiritually sick.

 

 Day 4      Luke 14:7-14

Reflect:  According to Jesus, who should be invited to a feast, and why are these specific groups mentioned? What are the potential dangers of seeking recognition or honor from others?   

Apply:  What is the root cause of self-exaltation? How is this encouraged by our culture? What is false humility? Why is it just as dangerous as prideful self-promotion? Are you guilty of verse 12?

Pray:   Father, rather than being driven by the desire to be recognized, make me willing to serve those around me. Following Your example, make me compassionate toward those who are overlooked.

 

Day 5     Revelation 7:9-17

Reflect: In reading this passage, what thoughts, feelings, and visions come to mind? How does this text speak to the universality of God’s redemption? How does this impact the idea of superiority?

Apply:   What does the phrase, “the ground is level at the foot of the cross” mean? How might this truth impact feelings of inferiority and superiority? What do you need to give up to gain humility? 

Pray:     Holy God, You are ready and willing to save from the coming Great Tribulation, all who place trust in Christ. I eagerly await the day when You will wipe away all tears from the eyes of all who have placed their trust in You.