Conceit is a dangerous thing. Because of this, many of us make the wrong decisions, engage in all the wrong engagements, and dig a pit for our very selves to fall into. You may not believe what I'm saying, but what I'm saying is true:
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud." (Proverbs 16:18-19)
In this article we'll take a closer look at what conceit is, and the often-ignored dangers that it brings to any unsuspecting Christian.
Dangers of "Christian" conceitedness
1) We think "I'm anointed" in all the wrong ways
Conceited Christians, ministers or pastors in particular, have what we can call an "anointed one" syndrome. I once heard a pastor label this more aptly, calling it "anointed narcissism."
Pretty sarcastic, but true.
Many Christians today think so highly of themselves.
Some think their callings or God-given assignments are so big, another Christian's calling seems unimportant -- perhaps enough to call these "small-calling Christians" to be part of their "big vision," or to help them achieve their "great destiny."
That's just so self-centered.
The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of Man who had the highest calling of all, made Himself a servant to all men. Think about that: God in the flesh, serving us by dying for our sins to purchase our salvation.
Very humbling.
Consider Philippians 2:3-8, which says:
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."
2) Thinks he is "sinless" or always innocent
Conceited Christians think they cannot be blamed for anything. They believe they are above reproach even when they're not. They simply cannot see the truth about themselves because they refuse to.
Proverbs 26:12 tells us,
"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
Such a person does not and will not take responsibility for his faults, because he believes it's always somebody else's fault.
3) Lofty self-righteousness
Conceited Christians think too highly of themselves, they believe they live by higher standards compared to others, Christian or not.
I was once very conceited, thinking that I'm a better Christian than others. And yes, thinking that I'm a better man than the "unsaved people I see."
Truth is, a Christian's self-conceitedness breeds self-righteousness. The Lord Jesus warns us against this. He said in Matthew 23:11-12,
"But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
