Honor Without Arrogance
Integrity shows itself not in the spotlight but in the swept corners—where no one but God is watching.
Devotional Credit
Excerpt from In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
E. Stanley Jones offers a timely correction to a subtle danger for those of us who walk in the rich awareness of being in Christ. While our identity in Christ lifts us above the sway of the world’s opinions, it does not free us from responsibility to live honorably before others. In fact, because we are in Christ, we are called to reflect His character not just in private devotion, but in public witness.
Jones warns that spiritual pride can creep in, cloaked in language about “doing it for the Lord.” He recounts a troubling story of a Christian who took a seat that belonged to someone else, justifying it by claiming spiritual motives. But motives matter. True holiness isn’t cloistered from public view—it’s evident in how we treat others, how we respond to correction, and how we navigate positions of power or influence.
He then draws a broader lesson from a political example: when ideological arrogance deafens us to correction, even well-meaning convictions can become destructive. The same is true for us as believers. We’re not called to become herd-pleasers, but neither are we exempt from being held accountable by those around us. Our gaze must remain fixed on Christ, but our ears must stay open to the voices of those He places around us.
It’s not about living to please man—but about living in such a way that both God and people can testify to the integrity of our lives. The honoring life is the yielded life—one that is both God-centered and humbly responsive.
Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My beloved, I have called you out of darkness and into My marvelous light—not so that you may boast in your position, but that you may shine with My presence. The honor of being in Me does not exempt you from walking in humility before others. In fact, it demands it.
When I formed you anew in Christ, I did not remove you from the world. I placed you within it as My ambassador, and the way you walk before others reflects My name. Let your conscience remain clear before Me and before men. I am not asking you to live by the applause of others, but to walk in such a way that your light gives no cause for stumbling. The same grace that unites you with Me enables you to walk graciously among others.
Listen to correction—not all voices speak wisdom, but I will give you discernment. You do not walk alone; I have placed you in a body. Honor Me in secret, but do not dismiss the honest voices I place in your path. I correct you gently through My Spirit—and sometimes through the concern of another. Listen. We walk together in integrity.
Let your attitude be the same as Mine, who though exalted, made Himself nothing and walked among those who misunderstood Him—yet never mistook love for compromise. Walk uprightly, not to prove yourself righteous, but because you are already made righteous in Me. In your dealings, let My Spirit guide you to honor, in private and in public.
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 8:21; Romans 12:17; Philippians 2:5–8; Titus 2:7–8; Matthew 5:16; Romans 13:13; Proverbs 15:31–33; 1 Peter 2:12; Galatians 5:13; Colossians 3:12–14; Ephesians 4:1–3; Hebrews 13:18
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine standing in a long line at a small-town bakery. You’re in a rush, and no one would probably notice if you nudged your way ahead of a distracted person fumbling with their wallet. But something in you holds back. It’s not fear of being caught—it’s the quiet knowing that to honor the unseen Christ in you is to honor those around you as well.
Just like that, each moment offers a choice to walk with integrity. Today, in a meeting where you're tempted to speak over someone, or in traffic where cutting ahead feels justifiable, pause. Yield. Let the Holy Spirit in you respond with the humility of Christ, not from fear of opinion, but out of joy in reflecting His life.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that I am already fully accepted and seated with Christ. I don’t have to perform to prove my worth. But I do walk this day with the joy of honoring You—not only in quiet moments with You, but in the way others see me live. Thank You for giving me Your Spirit to guide me in every interaction. I trust You to live Your life in me and through me today with honesty, humility, and grace that reflects the One who indwells me.