He Knows My Name
A Reminder Against Self-Righteousness
Hey family,
The Holy Spirit recently reminded me of the danger of becoming self-righteous. It’s so easy to point to ourselves, our works, and even our knowledge, rather than glorifying our Heavenly Father. It’s a subtle trap, but one that can lead to pride and a disconnect from God’s true purpose for us.
This reminder brought me back to an experience I had in 2013 when I was working as a production assistant in TV and film. I was excited to have the opportunity to be in the room, learning and growing, and on top of that, I was doing my first-ever 21-day Daniel Fast. During lunch breaks, I’d drift away for quiet prayer and Scripture reading—it was a way to stay focused during the early mornings and late nights.
One day, I overheard someone say, “Ceret really loves God,” in conversation with another person. That second person, let’s call him Billy, was a preacher’s kid whose father led multiple mega-churches on the East Coast. Later, in front of a room full of people, Billy approached me and said something like, “I heard you know God.”
I smiled, thinking this was going to be a moment of fellowship or prayer. But instead, Billy began quizzing me about the Bible, asking one question after another. I didn’t know the answers. My heart broke as he said, “That’s the problem—people love to say they know God but don’t really know anything.”
I was crushed. Billy’s intention wasn’t pure—it was about pride and proving a point. But in that moment, a small, still voice whispered to me: “But He knows your name.”
I held onto that truth. Even though I didn’t fully grasp it at the time, I repeated it to myself: “But He knows my name.”
Self-Righteousness Is a Trap
Family, this memory resurfaced during my prayer and meditation time this week. It’s a powerful reminder to be careful not to become self-righteous. It’s not about how much Scripture we can quote or how much we think we know. What truly matters is this: Does God know our name?
Luke 18:9-14 paints this picture so clearly. The Pharisee in the parable boasted about his fasting and tithing, comparing himself to others. Meanwhile, the tax collector humbly cried out for God’s mercy. Jesus said it was the tax collector who went home justified. Why? Because everything we do must point back to Christ, not ourselves.
Self-righteousness is a dangerous backdoor for sin. It opens the gate for pride, comparison, and even bitterness. I see it often on social media, especially when people share their spiritual practices like abstinence or fasting. If we’re not careful, these can become about self-praise rather than a genuine desire to honor God.
It’s easy to speak boldly about being abstinent, for example, but is it truly about pleasing God? Or could it be rooted in hurt from a breakup, low confidence, or fear of rejection? Everything we do must come from a heart aligned with God’s will, not our own agendas.
A Prayer to Guard Against Self-Righteousness
Let’s take a moment to come before God in humility:
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that we sometimes fall into the trap of self-righteousness. Forgive us for any pride or impure motives in our hearts. Help us to reflect Your love and grace in all we do. Remind us that it’s not about how much we know but about how deeply we are known by You. Keep us focused on glorifying You, not ourselves, and guide us in humility and truth. Thank You for calling us by name and loving us unconditionally. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture to Meditate On:
"For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." — Luke 18:14
Stay Connected with the Rich Crew
Thanks for reading, family. I hope this message blessed you and gave you something to reflect on. Let’s commit to walking in humility and making sure our lives point back to Christ.
If this spoke to you, leave us a comment and share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to stay connected with the Rich Crew for more inspiration and encouragement.
Until next time, keep pressing forward in faith and love.
Blessings,
Ceret
