Humility and Honesty
Pride is the sin. To make a conversion of heart to eliminate the sin of pride one must develop the virtue of humility. Humility is the setting aside of self to think of others first.
Our tendency is to think of ourselves first. We are taught how to make friends and influence people. We study the seven habits of highly effective people. We might even use the words of John the Baptist – He must increase, and I must decrease. But in all this have we humbled ourselves or are we just taking advantage of the situation or embellishing ourselves with our fanciful words?
False humility is the sin of manipulation. We purposely say what sounds good to others to find a way to get what we want. It is a way to trick others to trust you when your whole purpose is to take advantage of them.
Ahaz does this. God has offered him anything he wishes to task for. Ahaz knows he has greatly sinned. Perhaps he thinks by not asking God will judge him favorably. Maybe, but it is when Ahaz says he will not tempt the Lord. Does he really think he can manipulate God? I think if we take a moment – can we think of ways we have tried to manipulate God? How about this: Lord if you let me win the lottery, I will give you ten percent. Is that generosity or what?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen