The Woodpecker’s Curse

​​“This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches.’”       
Jeremiah 9:23 (NIV)

Do you know the number one thing that keeps us from knowing God? Pride.

It’s like the old story about a woodpecker who was pecking away on a gigantic sequoia tree when lightning hit it and split it right down the middle. He flew off and brought back nine buddies, pointed to the tree and said, “I told you I did it!” 

We so easily credit ourselves with being strong or wise. But the reality is that we aren’t so impressive. In fact, the Word of God says through the prophet Jeremiah that the only one who can truly know God is the one who knows they need God. If you think you’re the captain of your ship, the master of your fate, and life is a do-it-yourself project, then you’ll take pride in yourself for all the good things that come your way.

God says, “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches …” (Jeremiah 9:23, NIV). You might be proud of your performance, your power, and your possessions. But pride is a barrier. The way to know God is not through celebrating your strengths, but by acknowledging your need for Him.

Remember that all your works and wealth came from God. Give Him the glory every morning, and all your thanksgiving in the evening. And if you’re going to be proud of anything at all–let it be in this one thing: you are known by Almighty God, and you know Him, too. 

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for opening the way for me to know You. If I’m going to boast about anything, let it be that You have given me the understanding to know You, the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth. For I know that in those, You delight. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.