OSTENTATIOUS NULLIFICATION

From My Perspective - - - 

The one who is ostentatious is “characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others.” Ostentatiousness can usually be detected or observed by the “actions, manner, qualities exhibited and intended to attract notice.” It is seen in those who exhibit an air of prominence and professionalism. The definition for air includes the following as usages five through seven: “the general character or complexion of anything; appearance; the peculiar look, appearance, and bearing of a person; airs, affected or unnatural manner; manifestation of pride or vanity; assumed haughtiness.” The easiest example to illustrate this would be politics and politicians. The modern politician usually is not too interest in what you need or want, nor do they necessarily represent your best interests. If one is able to speak with a politician, the impression receives is that they know and you don’t know, It is the air of superiority and authority being manifested.

An example of a historical figure who was almost totally ostentatious was Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon (605-562 BC). Scriptural reference about a portion of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign and life is recorded in Daniel 2-4. Daniel 2 records that the king had a graphic dream but is unable to remember it or what it was about. As the last resort, Daniel will be asked to interpret the dream. In Daniel 2:17-18, one gets a sense of the gravity of this moment: “Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.” Verses 19-23 is Daniel’s Prayer of thanksgiving and praise for God’s revealing to him the king’s dream. It is about a great image with a head of gold; chest and arms of silver; its middle and thighs are bronze; the legs are iron and the feet a mixture of iron and clay. Nebuchadnezzar’s ostentatiousness is evidenced in his stubborn pride and great arrogance. He will have to deal with the reality and power of God. This occurs in Daniel 4:28-33 where and when he will experience great humiliation as a judgment for his pride and arrogance. Daniel 4:33 describes his humiliation: “He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails were like birds' claws.”

In terms of the nullification of ostentatiousness, there is a Biblical application for all to heed and implement. Paul states it in Romans 12:3-8, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” There must be a mutual esteem, love and appreciation for one another and the gifts of God’s Grace as He has bestowed them.

In both the secular and spiritual areas, there are those who with swagger and an air of self-sufficiency and eruditeness, expect a type of homage and special recognition. There will come a time when they will have a reality check in their lives. Jesus spoke about this as He pronounced woes upon the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:11-12, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus is stating that the ostentatious individual will be abased (brought low and humbled). He never called anyone to ostentatiousness. He does call people to follow Him and to learn from Him that He is meek and lowly. Walk humbly with your God! Consider these things with me!