At one point in the discussion, a young man said across the table: "You meet some arrogant people at church...."
Well, hold on. First of all, you can meet some arrogant people at a poker table as well. Think about the big-talking players who call opponents "donkeys" for making winning decisions (whether they seem logical or not) -- and then refuse to shake hands when they've been embarrassingly defeated.
Arrogance can happen in any walk of life, and in almost any situation. Yet we're told....
To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. - Proverbs 8:13
God isn't really doing the talking here -- verse 12 shows "wisdom" is. But James 1:5 indicates God is the best source to tap if you need wisdom. So it's safe to say He doesn't think much of arrogance, whether in a poker room or a church sanctuary. In fact, Romans 1:30 puts the arrogant in a group with "God-haters" and and people who "invent ways of doing evil."
One dictionary defines "arrogance" as a state of "unwarranted pride and self-importance." A true believer in God should strive to avoid that.
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." - I Peter 5:5b
One way (and probably not the only way) believers can look arrogant is in the way they address people living in a sinful way. It's one thing to point fingers. But there's a better approach....
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. - Galatians 6:1
If believers lets you have it about a sin -- or even a perceived sin, such as even sitting inside a poker room -- keep in mind: they're not perfect, either. But they're trying to become more perfect. And so should you. Admitting our imperfections before God is quite the opposite of arrogance -- and it's the best approach to take.
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