Did you know that sin has a peculiar way of puffing us up? This is especially important to understand especially on the Days of Unleavened Bread where God likens sin to yeast. Like yeast puffing up a dough of bread, sin can also puff us and bring us into destruction!

So, today, let’s delve into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: the sneaky ways sin can puff us up like a balloon, filling us with spiritual hot air and separating us from the humility that keeps us grounded in grace. Here are 3 astonishing ways we must watch out for!

1. We are puffed up by pride

Pride is a sneaky beast. It can tiptoe into our hearts when we least expect it, whispering lies about our own greatness and importance. Maybe you’ve experienced that surge of self-satisfaction after acing a test or receiving praise for a job well done. It feels good, doesn’t it? But as 1 Corinthians 8:1 reminds us, that feeling of being “puffed up” by our own knowledge or accomplishments is a dangerous illusion.

We read 1 Corinthians 8:1-3:

​¹ Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. ² And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. ³ But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. 

Think about it: have you ever encountered someone who just couldn’t resist showing off their intelligence or expertise? It’s like they’re constantly trying to one-up everyone else, always eager to prove themselves the smartest person in the room.

That’s the kind of pride Paul is warning us against. It’s not about celebrating our gifts or talents; it’s about using them as a measuring stick to elevate ourselves above others.

But here’s the thing: true wisdom isn’t about how much we know or how impressive our achievements are. It’s about how we use that knowledge and those abilities to serve others and show love. That’s the real test of character. It’s easy to be knowledgeable or successful, but it takes real humility to use those gifts for the greater good.

So, the next time you find yourself tempted to boast about your own brilliance, take a moment to pause and reflect. Remember that true wisdom is found not in self-promotion, but in selfless love for others.

2. We are puffed up by following a false leader

The caution against blindly following charismatic leaders is incredibly relevant today, isn’t it? We read in 1 Corinthians 4:6:

⁶ Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 

 In 1 Corinthians 4:6, Paul is essentially warning us against the allure of personality cults and the dangers of putting too much trust in human leaders.

Think about it: have you ever been swept up in the charisma of a captivating speaker or a dynamic leader? It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and enthusiasm they generate. But as Paul reminds us, that kind of blind devotion can be incredibly dangerous.

When we elevate human leaders to godlike status, we’re essentially putting our faith in fallible humans rather than in the eternal truths of Scripture. It’s like building our house on shifting sands. Sooner or later, those human leaders are bound to disappoint us, and when they do, it can lead to disillusionment and division within the community.

But here’s the thing: our faith should never be contingent on the charisma or popularity of human leaders. Instead, it should be firmly rooted in the unchanging truths of God’s Word. 

That’s where we find our true source of wisdom and guidance. So, the next time you’re tempted to blindly follow a charismatic leader, take a moment to pause and reflect. Remember that true leadership isn’t about flashy personalities or impressive speeches; it’s about humble service and faithful adherence to God’s Word.

📌 Related reading: Do you want to learn more about overcoming pride? If yes, check out these books that will help you develop humility!

3. We are puffed up by false humility

False humility is like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It’s like wearing a mask of modesty while secretly craving attention and praise. We read Colossians 2:18:

¹⁸ Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Colossians 2:18 shines a light on this subtle form of spiritual inflation, warning us against the deceptive allure of false humility.

Think about it: have you ever found yourself downplaying your achievements or virtues in an attempt to appear more modest? It’s a common trap we all fall into at times. But inwardly, we’re still seeking the validation and approval of others.

That’s the danger of false humility. It’s a form of self-aggrandizement disguised as modesty, and it can lead us further away from true humility and authenticity. But here’s the good news: there’s an antidote to this spiritual inflation.

It starts with self-awareness. We need to be honest with ourselves about our motives and desires, recognizing when we’re seeking the approval of others rather than God. And then, we need to humble ourselves before the One who holds all wisdom and authority.

True greatness, you see, isn’t found in self-promotion or seeking the spotlight. It’s found in selfless service and love for others. So, let’s strive to deflate our egos. Let’s embrace true humility and authenticity, knowing that our worth and value come not from the applause of men, but from our identity as beloved children of God.

Don’t Let Sin Puff You Up

Remember, humility isn’t about thinking less of ourselves; it’s about thinking of ourselves less. Let’s keep our feet firmly planted on the ground of grace, resisting the temptation to let sin puff us up with pride. Stay humble, stay grounded, and keep seeking truth in love.

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