“Arrogance.” “Pure arrogance.”

Those were the words I used to my wife after I heard about the capture of the alleged shooter of United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson. After she heard the news she said, “I wonder how he got caught?” When they announced it I commented to her that he will have gotten caught because of his own arrogance. Let me explain.

Arrogance comes in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Some are blatant, like someone who let’s you know “he’s special.” There are some who delight in puffing themselves up before others, either by their attitude or words. One can almost see them walking around with his/her nose in the air.  Some people have a sense of entitlement, like whatever they say or do deserves mention. I can think of certain Hollywood players who have that attitude. For example, they want to pontificate on an election as though they know it all, even threatening to leave the country if so-and-so wins. All I can say is “Bye. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

Then there are those like this alleged killer. Smart, maybe too smart for his own good.  Smarter than the average bear (at least in his own mind). Who knows what motivated this alleged killer. Maybe it will come out in the end. He had things planned out. A ghost gun. Silencer. A mask. What he didn’t plan, and this is what is sad, is what I was referring to when I made my comment to Jo.  The audacity and arrogance to think he is smarter than everyone else and no one will really notice him in public. But someone did recognize him and now he is in custody.

The Bible is very, very clear about the danger of arrogance. “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.” (I Cor. 10:12)  Another translation puts it this way: “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (ESV)  The truth of it all is that everyone has an Achilles heel. Everyone of us has a weakness that can bring us down. Think Titanic.   Let me add a few more verses. “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Pr. 11:2). “The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished…Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” (Pr. 16:5, 11) One last one: “Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.”  (Pr. 29:23). By the way, take a look at that verse. What a difference a few letters make!

What was behind the alleged killer’s motive, who knows? What I do know is this: pride and arrogance brought his downfall. Truthfully, we must all guard against that danger. 

{Unless noted all verses are NLT}