“They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves.” (Habakkuk 1:7)
The proud respond viciously when they believe their dignity is under attack. The prouder a person is the more indignant they will become when found fault with. Defensiveness is the hallmark of the proud.
Ahab was incensed when Elijah dared to take issue with his leadership. He filled his court with a multitude of “friends” who puffed him up, while holding a rage-filled vendetta against his “enemy,” who rebuked his idolatry and apostasy.
Be assured: proud people, whether they are in the pulpit or the pew, hate to be corrected. If you dare to do so you will put yourself in the line of fire: “He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee…” (Proverbs 9:7,8)
We are living in a day when this kind of rage is on the rise. Everyone wants to be celebrated, honored, adored. No one dare tell anyone else that they are wrong in their beliefs, attitudes, or actions. Men are becoming indignant as never before. And this spirit is in the church. It has infected the highest places of leadership, where anger is unleashed upon “dissenters.” But respect is seldom granted to those who demand it.
We have much to learn of Him who was meek and lowly of heart. If we knew Him better we would be more able to receive godly reproof, let alone unjust criticism. Seek meekness. Humility precedes honor.