Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:26)

Do Not Become Conceited

Living in the Spirit and walking in the Spirit changes the heart of the person who has put to death the passions of the world. Spirit-filled people change their attitudes toward others. The world is filled with proud hearts trying to be the most important person and have the greatest impact on others. Those who live to themselves seek their personal gain as how worthy they are of praise, honor, excellence, and talents. Pride is the engine that drives their lives to the point of arrogance. The conceited heart is how many define themselves because they believe the world revolves around them and they are the most important person on earth.

A Christian is set apart from the world for many reasons. One of those qualities that separates the godly from the ungodly is a heart filled with humility and kindness toward others. Arrogance and conceit always create disharmony. The spirit of thinking one is better than another because of economic status, education, race, pedigree, or the self-absorbed pride of the heart will always bring a world of hatred and envy. It is against the natural part of man to exalt himself in pride. The angels laugh when a man thinks of himself higher than his station. Becoming conceited with self-worth is an exercise undertaken by a fool.

Paul wants the saints to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit is evident in things like joy, peace, kindness, and gentleness (to name a few). Those who profess to be Christians have changed their hearts away from arrogance and pride. Walking in the Spirit creates a heart that is not conceited. The aim of the Christian is not to provoke another or envy another. There is unity in the bond of peace, walking in the same Spirit, according to the same Lord, and following the will of the Father. When someone provokes another, they sin. Envying others blackens the heart. The Christian is not filled with conceit but love.

Jesus taught His disciples to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The influence of godly people showing a loving attitude toward others is one of the great evangelistic tools of the church. When a man is overtaken in a trespass, the loving heart does not condemn but seeks to restore that one to Christ. Bearing the burdens of others is showing the love of Christ. Walking in the Spirit is how the Christian measures his attitude toward others. There is no vainglory, arrogance, or boastfulness in the heart of those who walk in the light of Jesus Christ.