JAMES 4:6-17
When a general returned home triumphant from a battle, ancient Rome would stage a parade to greet him. The general’s troops would be included in the parade, as well as trophy captives who had been brought there as proof of victory. The masses would praise their hero’s victory as the parade passed through the city.
A slave rode alongside the general in his chariot to keep his ego from swelling excessively. Why? As the Roman throngs showered admiration on the general, the slave would keep whispering in his ear, “You, too, are mortal.”
When we succeed, we may lose sight of our own frailty and allow toxic pride to overwhelm our hearts. James, in our text, warns us about the dangers of pride by guiding us to humility and God. There is nothing more lovely! Only the Lord is worthy of praise and thanksgiving, especially for the grace He has bestowed on us.
Our accomplishments, success, or greatness have nothing to do with us. They are the result of God’s unfathomable grace, which we are eternally dependent on.
🙏🏼 “New mercies, each returning day,
hover around us while we pray;
new perils past, new sins forgiven,
new thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven.
If on our daily course our mind
be set to hallow all we find,
new treasures still, of countless price,
God will provide for sacrifice.”
(Culled from Hymns A&M 4)
REFERENCE:
Goran Blazeski, https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/01/23/in-ancient-rome-a-slave-would-continuously-whisper-remember-you-are-mortal-in-the-ears-of-victorious-generals-as-they-were-paraded-through-the-streets-after-coming-home-triumphant-from-battle
