While reading the morning paper and enjoying a cup of coffee, Chester, my cat, decided it was time to be petted. He leaped up onto the counter, sat right in the middle of the paper and looked me in the eye as if to say "stroke me." And of course, I did just that. Still, I got no respect, not even an expression of thanks.

Most would agree that the house cat exudes an independence that borders on arrogance. A friend of mine who owns two cats told me that "dogs have owners, cats have staff." Just ask any cat lover, and he or she will ditto this observation. It's remarkable to watch how completely a cat can control its "staff." A cat demands certain feeding hours, specific foods and even a temperature-controlled environment. Only on rare occasions, does this produce a small token of acknowledgement from the feline dictator.

Arrogance opposite of godliness

There is, however, no reason for arrogance for a servant of God. In fact, it is the opposite of the way of true godliness. Arrogance is the assumption of self-importance. In other words, it is the mind-set that the universe revolves around the self. It often intimidates others and destroys relationships.

However, our Redeemer, Lord and Savior walked in this world to set an example for everyone who would follow Him. His life was one of honor, nobility, dignity and courage. Jesus came to serve and not to be served. It was He who washed the feet of His disciples and commanded them to do the same (John 13:14). It was He who gave up His glory to become flesh and die for our sins (John 17:5). And it was Jesus who told us to take the lower seat (Luke 14:8-9). Jesus taught by word and deed that the highest level of love Christians can exhibit is to lay down their lives for others (John 10:11; Mark 8:35). In the Gospel of Mark Jesus is quoted as saying He came to serve and not be served (Mark 10:43-45). You might say He did not view His disciples as "staff," but as fellow servants.

More excellent way of life

The Creator God has revealed a way of life for humans to follow which will prepare them to one day inherit all He has created (Romans 8:16-17). This way of life decries a greedy, demanding, self-serving lifestyle. Instead, it is a way of service and love for others. Paul expresses this as the "more excellent way" in 1 Corinthians 12:31 and clarifies it in the following chapter. Here we read about the opposite of arrogance. This way of life produces people who are kind, longsuffering, patient, humble, not seeking their own and full of hope (1 Corinthians 13:1-8). There is no room for arrogance in the life of a Christian. The value of one human being is immensely greater than the value of any animal. Eternal life with membership in the family of God is the ultimate destiny for those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21). The fact that one day those who humbly obey their Creator will become joint heirs with Christ is almost incomprehensible (1 Corinthians 2:9). The glimpse God gives should motivate us to strive to live godly lives.

Don't be arrogant like the lowly house cat. Walk humbly before God because an arrogant attitude cannot exist in the mind of one of God's "staff."