The Thin Line Between The Spirit and Flesh!

     I have not posted anything for a while because I have spent time in prayer, meditation, and self reflections of my life.  Real life circumstances, plus the guidance of the Holy Spirit has made me aware of the thin line that exist between our spirit and flesh.  What I mean, by this, is that we can convince ourselves that we have reached our spiritual destination and are now ready teach and inspire others!  If we are not careful , we begin to believe that we have revelations that are new, spiritually provocative and earth changing.  In effect there is nothing new under the sun, and our great revelations have already been experienced by many before us and many after us.
     When these things happen we begin to allow our egos and pride to enter the picture.  I am not saying that this is a premeditated effort, it is suttle and stealth. Proverb's 12:23 tells us that wise people don't make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their folly. Competent people have a quiet confidence, insecure or uncertain people feel they need to prove themselves. We who expound the scriptures in writing, and words have to be careful not to loose sight of our original purpose.  After a while, if we are not careful, we begin to get self-gratification, and joy out of hearing our own selves talk and reading our own writings.  Romans 12:3 reminds us of the danger of thinking more highly of our self than we should.
     We must not forget that we have not mastered our flesh and are only one situation from the flesh coming out like Jekyll and Hyde. The louder we profess our knowledge and spirituality, the greater the fall when  we have that moment of failure.  I am not saying that we should not share the word with zeal, but be careful not to allow pride to enter the equation.
     I plan on changing my blog profile from Dr. Larry to Larry. C., when I figure out how to do so!  Jesus in Matthew 23 condemned the Pharisees for their use of titles.  He reminded them that they were  on the same level as  all the other brothers and sisters.  He further says that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. We have to be careful not to gladly honor each other, and not care about the honor that comes from God.(John 5:41-44)  We write and we speak and we pat each other on the back saying what a great thing you wrote! There are too many titles used in the church today!  The use of titles is not for the Lord, it's only purpose is to draw attention to self.  In the days of Christ the disciples and apostles addressed each other as brother, beloved, labors, servants, stewards, etc.  The terms teachers, pastors, deacons, bishops were functional terms not titles! ( Philip the evangelist, not evangelist Philip)
     If I use the title doctor it implies that I think I know more than any of you!  One does not have to have papers from a man made institution to teach what comes freely from the Lord. However, there was a university for prophets mentioned in the Old Testaments! One should receive honor by service,  spiritual behaviors and not by title!  There are too many titles used by Christians that draw attention to the holder. We should listen to  leaders because we respect what they say and not because of their titles.  Acts 17:11 says that the people, of Berea, listen to Paul and Silas eagerly, but each day checked the scriptures to see if they were really teaching the truth.  Only a simpleton believes everything they are told.  The prudent carefully considers their steps.( Proverbs 15:1)