Pride Leads to Shame

“When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 NKJV

In a story titled “Influencer Disqualified From New York City Marathon After He Ran With Unauthorized E-Bikes Filming Him,” it was reported that 
Matthew Choi, a running influencer from Austin, Texas, who finished the New York City Marathon on November 3 in 2:57:15, has been disqualified from the event after he ran much of the course with two people alongside him riding on electric bicycles and filming his race. New York Road Runners, which organizes the marathon and dozens of other large races in the city, issued a statement on November 4 that read, in part, “After a review and due to violations of World Athletics rules, and New York Road Runners’ Code of Conduct and Rules of Competition, NYRR has disqualified Matt Choi from the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon and removed him from the results. He has been banned from any future NYRR races.” Choi, 29, “ran with the assistance of two unauthorized people riding the course on electric bicycles, obstructing runners,” the statement said… Choi, who has more than 465,000 followers on TikTok and 405,000 on Instagram, runs with no shirt and a backwards baseball cap. In a clip posted to the Instagram page for the Matt Choi show, he says, “I don’t even think running is my job. I am a creator first and then I run.”

And, you know, this attitude of ‘rules for thee but not for me’ is very typical of people who think more highly of themselves than they ought. But, eventually, if left unchecked, a person’s pride and need for praise from the world will lead to their shame, as they will do anything necessary to get likes, follows, comments, and fame —even breaking the rules when necessary. Sadly this is a trend, as Paul predicted, that would only increase as we near the end of the end times. 

So refuse to get caught up in how the world measures your worth my friend. Stay humble and seek the approval of God above man so you won’t be disqualified and experience the shame that comes from being exposed for breaking the rules. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that true wisdom begins with a humble heart that acknowledges You as Lord and Creator of all. Help us to seek your approval above all else so we won’t be disqualified after completing the race set before us. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!