The Way of Walking with Christ - based on a work of Miyamoto Musashi

4) Consider yourself lightly; consider the world deeply.

I feel that it is important to never take yourself too seriously.  Even Paul struggled with a "thorn in his flesh" and considered himself the "chief of sinners".  When you get ahead of yourself, think of yourself too highly, you are poised for a fall.  Consider such men as Jeffery Skilling, John Edwards, Tigger Woods.  Each of these men (and many more) were at incredible heights of their respective worlds, and it was from there they began their fall.  We are not perfect.  If we were we would not need a Savior.

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24, ESV)

Do not underestimate the world though.  The enemy of our souls is the king of deceivers.  Nothing in the world can be taken for granted.  Be wary and alert so that you are not led astray or taken unaware.  One can be knowledgeable of the world and its ways, without become a part of it.  Study your enemy, learn from your enemy, and anticipate your enemy.

Pride is deceitful and will eventually lead to a fall.  The enemy of our souls walks to and fro throughout the earth, we must constantly be on our guard and take nothing for granted.  We must be vigilant to be on constant guard against the "creep" away from grace, away from the cross.

---