Articles
Make God Proud
Not all pride is sinful. If a father thinks his child is better than everyone else’s simply because he raised him, that’s sinful. A father, however, who is “proud” of his boy for hitting a home run isn’t sinning. A mother who is “proud” of her daughter because she sacrificed her time to help someone in need is not sinning. We say they’re “proud” parents because they’re pleased with the accomplishments of the children they raised. It makes them feel good to see their children doing great things. That’s not selfish pride, that’s based on a parent’s loving desire for their children to succeed in life. I recognize, with all the Bible says about the atrocity of our sin, it may be hard to believe we could ever make God proud. God says we can!
“My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart also will be glad; and my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.” (Prov. 23:15-16). It’s true this was written by an earthly father to his earthly son, but it was inspired by God’s Spirit, and God is the model for fatherhood (Eph. 3:14-15). “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who sires a wise son will be glad in him.” (Prov. 23:24). Living righteously by faith is not a chore imposed on us by a heavenly dictator. It’s the life that puts a smile on our heavenly Father’s face! Let’s go make Him proud!
