The Problem with Self-Confidence

Self-confidence is at the foundation of many sins people commit. But pride goes before a fall. We say, "I can handle this. This isn’t even a problem. I’ll know when to stop." But it doesn’t work out that way.

That was the problem with the Israelites at Ai (see Joshua 7). They had self-confidence. They said, in effect, "We can handle Ai. It isn’t a problem."

This is often what will lead to a fall. You think it isn’t going to happen to you. Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."

If you know someone who has fallen into sin, don’t be arrogant, because you could have done the same thing. In fact, the Bible tells us, "Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself" (Galatians 6:1).

Imagine being out with a friend who suddenly tripped, fell, and was injured. Would you kick him while he was down? "Idiot! Why didn’t you look?" Or, would you jerk him to his feet and throw him up against a wall? I hope not. No, you would reach down and gently get him back up on his feet again, dusting him off. "Are you okay? Hang on to my shoulder. I’ll help you walk. Do you need to see a doctor? Are you going to be all right?"

You show a little compassion, knowing it could have happened to you. We need to remember that as we’re reaching out to others.

The first thing that led to the Israelites’ defeat at Ai was self-confidence. And the first thing that usually leads to our spiritual defeat is self-confidence.