Another Titanic

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 9:23-24; 1 Peter 5:5-6

“My English report is due tomorrow, and I’m going to have the best one in the class!” announced Marshall as he and his dad got ready to play a game of ping pong. “Most of the kids write the dumbest essays you’ve ever seen! I also got the top score on our spelling tests three weeks in a row. And math is so simple, it’s pathetic.” Dad didn’t look too happy as Marshall bragged about his schoolwork. “Let’s start,” said Marshall, bouncing the ball on the table. “I’ll soon have you begging for mercy with my alley slam shot!”

Dad grinned. “Maybe, but then again, you might find you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. By the way, I know just the thing you should write about for your next report—the sinking of the Titanic.”

“That big ship?” asked Marshall. “I’ve heard about it. It was one of the greatest passenger ships of all time!”

Dad nodded. “It was elegant—crystal chandeliers, velvet curtains, fine china, even a ballroom with its own orchestra. You might say it was the pride of its era. Everyone thought the ship was unsinkable. Only problem was, it sank.”

“Why do you think that’s such a good topic for me?” asked Marshall.

Dad twirled his paddle. “Because you remind me of the Titanic, Marshall.”

“I do?” Marshall looked pleased. “You mean because it was a great ship and I do great in school and stuff?”

Dad shook his head. “No, I mean because you sound very proud when you talk about yourself. Pride can be like the iceberg that tore a hole in the Titanic. Jesus is the source of all your talents and abilities—and He didn’t give them to you so you could put yourself above your peers. He wants you to use your gifts to serve Him and show others who He is. It’s good to be thankful for them and do your best, but when you get puffed up and put others down, you’re headed for trouble.”

“I guess I see what you mean,” said Marshall. “I’m sorry. I’ll try to remember that the next time I do well at something.” He grinned. “Now, about that alley slam shot! Are you ready?” – Christi B. Kehn

How About You?

Do you try to be the best at everything you do? Do you take credit for every good grade, every victory, every prize you win? It’s good to do your best and recognize your abilities, but never forget that you have no reason to be proud. It’s God—not you—who is the source of all good gifts. Give Him the glory and ask Him to help you use your talents to serve Him.

Today’s Key Verse: Proverbs 11:2 Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be humble, not proud