Webster’s full definition of confidence is as follows; “a feeling or consciousness of one’s powers or of reliance on one’s circumstances <had perfect confidence in her ability to succeed> <met the risk with brash confidence>b : faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way <have confidence in a leader>”
How heavily do you trust in all your accomplishments; your own abilities and capabilities? Paul said he had more reason than most to put confidence in his own flesh. According to verses 5-6 he had achieved “bragging rights.” He was called Hebrew of all Hebrews, concerning obeying the law, a Pharisee concerning zeal, by his persecution of the church and called blameless according to the law.
According to 1 Samuel16:7; we must never trust in our own abilities; nor those of other human beings. Why not? …because we are all at best “flawed.”
“Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart.”
We should put no confidence in the flesh.
Our real confidence should only come from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let’s look at His Word to us; regarding our own confidence and where it needs to lie.
According to Psalm 73:26; “My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Our flesh will always disappoint us; as well as the people in our sphere of influence.
We find in Psalm 147:10-11 “God’s pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 1:12 “For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.”
These were Paul’s words to the Corinthians. He could never conduct himself in fleshly wisdom but in holiness and godly sincerity only in the grace of God.
Oh dear reader; who and what are you trusting in? You and those people in your sphere of influence have many God given characteristics and qualities. You have come to know and to trust them; based upon their character and qualities. Just remember: we are all made of flesh and bones. Although not intentionally; we will disappoint one another. Put your confidence in the Lord instead of human flesh.
Prayer in Motion:
Oh God, may I remember to always place my confidence in You and You alone. You alone are my hearts desire and I long to worship You. Forgive me for all the times I have trusted in what I can see and feel. I put my trust in You Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen
