The Grasshopper Complex - Friday Praise & Pray (For Others) August 7, 2026

Are you a grasshopper? This seems like a strange question, but the answer is twofold - yes and no. Yes, because, in the eyes of God, people are like grasshoppers (Isaiah 40:22). It is therefore wise for us believers to realize that when dealing with the Creator of the universe, we don't compare to His greatness, strength, and wisdom.

And yet, it is a problem for us Christians to see ourselves as grasshoppers. In Numbers 13, the ten spies who came back from Canaan with a bad report said, "We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them" (Numbers 13:33).

This assessment of themselves was wrong. They diminished the fact that God made them in His image and had empowered them in their journey out of slavery from Egypt. In idolatry, they unfortunately elevated created beings over the God who made them, poured His breath into them, and they had a defeatist self-view.

But that was never God's plan for them, and it isn't His plan for us, modern believers who have become His children through Jesus Christ. Yes, we are to have a healthy reverence toward Him and know our place. We are also to have a healthy sense of self in relation to people.

We cannot forget that He made us in His image and filled us with His breath. We cannot forget that He sent His Son to die for us - we clearly were valuable enough that a life was sacrificed in our stead. And as those who chose to become born-again Christians, we have received the Spirit of God. That deposit is a gift money cannot buy.

Then there's the fact we were made only a little less than the angels, such mighty beings who serve the Lord and do great things for His glory (Hebrews 2:7). And of course, God's Word provides us dominion over every created thing as long as we are in right relationship with Him and His Son (Hebrews 2:8). So to dismiss this and ignore other aspects of our relationship to the Lord is dangerous and leads to a Grasshopper Complex..

And just as an unhealthy valuation of ourselves is problematic, so also is having an unhealthy perspective of other humans. At the very least, we should remember that all people were made in God's image. Out of the fear of the Lord, we must obey His instruction to treat them as we want to be treated. We must completely respect them and thus honor God in the process (1 Peter 2:18).

Disregarding and maltreating others is wickedness, and the Lord detests those who behave this way. We therefore don't need to pick up this habit. And if the Holy Spirit is convicting any of us that we have sinned this way, repent right now for disrespecting those God created. Ask God for wisdom on how to remedy this sin and do as He instructs.

As believers in Christ who invited Him to be our Lord and Savior, we must be mindful to walk in the fear of the Lord God. That requires us to have a healthy sense of self that honors the part of Him that He placed in us. This also means we aren't to be prideful when relating to Him and others. We also shouldn't consider ourselves less than others as the 10 spies did when they returned.

We might be like grasshoppers in the sight of God, but we will never be like grasshoppers to men. For those who know their God will be strong and do mighty exploits (Daniel 11:32). All because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We are the servants of God called to do greater works (John 14:12). You're a big deal. Remember that.

As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

1. GOD Loves You

2. You are being built for the Lord

3. Careful what you say about yourself

4. The Love of God

5. Predestined To Win

6. What Kind Of Messenger Are You?

7. Don't Be satan's Mouthpiece

8. Do You Look Like Him?

9. Agree With God Not satan

10. The Process Of Becoming

11. Do You Belong To Christ?

12. Don't Be Easily Manipulated

13. Who Controls Your Mind?

14. Topic: Godfidence

15. Topic: Humility

16. Topic: Pride