While there certainly isn’t anything wrong with having self confidence, it is wrong to think ourselves better than others. In fact, the Word admonishes us “not to think more highly of your selves than you ought to.” And to think of others as better than ourselves.
One day the Lord emphasized this point to me in a most personal way.
I was the drummer in our church band. We often would play at local events in town. We played a lot of Christian Rock. One Saturday afternoon we were at practice. I had invited a young man who recently committed his life to Christ. I didn’t know much about him other than he played keyboard. His name was Zach. Zach was great. That particular day I was feeling pretty good about myself. During a break Zach asked me if he could play the drums. I was surprised as I didn’t know he even played drums. Zach was very soft spoken and very humble. As Zach played we all just stood there with our mouths open because he was one of the best drummers we’ve ever heard! After his demonstration he said, “thanks Joel” and handed me back the sticks. Honestly, I didn’t want the sticks back. I said, “Zach, you’re amazing! What else can you do?” He said in his soft spoken voice, “well I play a little guitar, write music, and sing.”
From that day on I had a more realistic assessment of talent. And my pride wouldn’t have been hurt the way it was if I didn’t feel that I was so good. Lesson learned!
(Actual picture of Zack’s drum set)