The Boomerang Effect by Sarah Hoeck
Every human being, at some point in his or her life, feels a sense of pride. Whether it’s because you aced the test, made the football team, got the job, or are having a baby boy or girl, you feel pride somewhere along the road of life. But just because everyone feels proud at certain moments in the time they’re alive doesn’t make it right, or acceptable. In fact, it’s not. It’s the opposite. It’s wrong. The Bible warns us of this character flaw many times.
A good example is found in the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 6:16-19: “These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” Look at that first one. It says, “a proud look.” God hates it. It’s an abomination to Him, meaning it is vile, shameful, and detestable before the Lord. And that is certainly not good.
Pride is a funny thing, in a not-funny, no-laughs kind of way. It’s a consuming fire and yet, at the same time, it provides a good feeling. To feel as if you’ve done something or are someone special, or to feel that you’re important, feels great but it’s a feeling that can destroy you.
For example, there was a man named Haman, who was the second most powerful man in all the Persian Empire. Only the king was more powerful than he was. He tried not only to kill Mordecai, but all of the Jewish people in Persia. But before we get to all of that, let’s start at the beginning. It all started with Haman’s pride.
You see, Haman was appointed higher than all the other princes, and this boosted his ego up quite a lot. He thought he was the best. Everyone had to bow down to him. And when Mordecai wouldn’t, it stung. It hurt his pride. It was a strike right to his ego, and since he thought he was better than everyone, he certainly did not appreciate what Mordecai was doing.
Because Haman hated Mordecai so much for deflating his ego, he would destroy all the Jewish people of Persia. He convinced the king to pass a law bringing death to all of them. This, of course, reinflated his ego. Sometime later, Queen Esther invited Haman to a banquet. Only he and the king were to attend.
This made Haman feel as if he were definitely something special. After all not everyone got invited to a banquet by the queen. So, he attended. And his pride went up a notch. And when he was once again invited the very next day, his pride went up another notch.
But then, as he walked out of the gates, he saw Mordecai, who didn’t move to bow to him or anything. And this, once again, angered him. So, that night, when Haman arrived home, he called together his friends and his wife and told them about all his many blessings.
He told them about his job, his children, and how he had been advanced above others serving the king. But even though Haman had all these blessings, he would never be satisfied as long as his selfish pride and hatred of Mordecai consumed his soul.
Destruction was on its way. Of course, his evil wife and his friends knew just how to solve the problem. A gallows should be built and, in the morning, Haman should ask the king for permission to hang Mordecai. Haman, of course, loved the idea. He could kill the man who would not pay him proper respect. He could see him hang instead of waiting for later.
But on that very same night, the king was reminded, while being read the book of Chronicles, that Mordecai had once saved his life and never been rewarded. Upon hearing this, he decided to do something very special for Mordecai.
So, early the next morning, Haman came and the king asked him, “What shall be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honor?” When Haman heard this, he thought to himself, in his prideful heart and mind, “Who else would the king want to honor except for me?” (He didn’t realize that all of his pride was about to turn his life into a terrible nightmare.)
After he set who he thought was himself up in the king’s attire and crown, Haman got the wind let out of his puffy self. The king delighted to honor the man he hated more than any other man, Mordecai. Instead of hanging him, he would have to humble himself and parade him around the city.
Even Haman’s wife and friends knew that what happened to him was more than just “bad luck.” When a person lifts himself up in pride, the only place to go is downward. Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Our God’s warning was taking place as Esther, the king, and Haman met together for their second banquet.
It was during this banquet that Esther told the king all about Haman, what he was really doing, and what he was really like. I guess you could call this part “the boomerang effect.” Haman threw a boomerang at Mordecai and the Jews, and missed. Then, as boomerangs do, it came back and took Haman’s head right off. Or rather, it hanged him, on his own gallows. But, anyway you look at it Haman’s pride got the better of him and led him to his death.
Proverbs 16:5: “The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” And this doesn’t just mean a physical punishment. It also refers to a spiritual punishment, as in no eternal life because everyone who is proud is despicable to the Lord. And even if they join forces together, as Haman, his wife, and his friends did when they met that day, they will still meet their punishment.
Because sin’s end is still death, no matter whom you stand with, no matter what you do, and no matter what you think. Anyone with this prideful personality will be punished. None will escape the wrath of the Almighty Lord.
God warns us many times that the prideful way of life is the road to destruction. And that road is wide and easy to travel. But, it leads to pain, and ultimately, death. It’s funny how a haughty person gets so puffed up on something he did, and he doesn’t even realize the pain and suffering he put himself and others through.
So, a word to the wise, take the highway of the humble on the way to eternal life. It’s going to be tough. So, overcome your pride. Get off your high horse. Be humble. Don’t think you are better than someone else. Remember that no one is perfect, not one, except for the Lord, your God. Remember all of this because none will go unpunished. But then again, it’s your head.
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