In discussing the topics covered the last two posts, I think it fitting that we discuss an enemy that is not only relentless in its pursuit of non-Christians, but also of Christians. No one is safe from the ravages of pride.
"A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor." Proverbs 29:23.
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2
"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." Proverbs 13:10
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Proverbs 3:34
One of the greatest subjects covered in the Scriptures is the subject of pride. Pride is the great enemy of man, Christian and non-Christian alike. Pride is an overly high opinion of yourself. It motivates us to do things that we know are not Christ-like. It hinders us from doing things that bring glory to God. Think about Adam and Eve, pride influenced them to try to become like God (Genesis 3:5). Pride motivated Cain to murder Able, who was his brother (Genesis 4:5). Pride provoked Joseph's brothers to sell him into slavery, it caused King Saul to resent David so much that he tried to kill him, it led King Hezekiah to reveal his nation's wealth to his enemies. Pride was at the root of the Pharisee's anger toward Jesus, and it was the reason the disciples argued over rank in the kingdom (Luke 9:46).
We need to be aware that pride is our relentless enemy. If we succumb to its influence, there will be consequences! We may know that we have offended someone, but pride holds us back from asking for forgiveness. We may realize that we need to reconcile a broken relationship, but pride will lead us to deny that need. The Spirit may convict us that we are living a sinful lifestyle, but pride will discourage us admitting it. Pride will convince us that we deserve better treatment, it will impede us serving others, and it will have us striving for the places of prominence. Pride will have us listen to people that flatter us instead of listening to honest counselors. It will lead us to isolate ourselves so that we are not accountable to others.
If you are tired of reading about the bad things that pride causes us to do, let it be a warning that pride does all this and more. It is a tiresome enemy that has caused great men and women the world around to come to their destruction. Many a loving relationship has been destroyed because of pride on the part of one or both in the relationship. We have a difficult time hearing and understanding the bad things that we do, but we need to be reminded that we cannot live the life Christ wants us to live, unless we constantly examine our hearts for any iniquity that we might be harboring, and give it up to God.
Friends, we need to learn to be humble. Humility is pleasing to God and places our life in a position where God will honor us. If pride has crept into some areas of your life, ask God to give you victory over it before it robs you of God's will for you. Recognize and admit your pride, don't let it take from you the things that God has blessed you with, including your relationship with Him.
May God richly bless you today!! H Trent!
"A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor." Proverbs 29:23.
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2
"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." Proverbs 13:10
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Proverbs 3:34
One of the greatest subjects covered in the Scriptures is the subject of pride. Pride is the great enemy of man, Christian and non-Christian alike. Pride is an overly high opinion of yourself. It motivates us to do things that we know are not Christ-like. It hinders us from doing things that bring glory to God. Think about Adam and Eve, pride influenced them to try to become like God (Genesis 3:5). Pride motivated Cain to murder Able, who was his brother (Genesis 4:5). Pride provoked Joseph's brothers to sell him into slavery, it caused King Saul to resent David so much that he tried to kill him, it led King Hezekiah to reveal his nation's wealth to his enemies. Pride was at the root of the Pharisee's anger toward Jesus, and it was the reason the disciples argued over rank in the kingdom (Luke 9:46).
We need to be aware that pride is our relentless enemy. If we succumb to its influence, there will be consequences! We may know that we have offended someone, but pride holds us back from asking for forgiveness. We may realize that we need to reconcile a broken relationship, but pride will lead us to deny that need. The Spirit may convict us that we are living a sinful lifestyle, but pride will discourage us admitting it. Pride will convince us that we deserve better treatment, it will impede us serving others, and it will have us striving for the places of prominence. Pride will have us listen to people that flatter us instead of listening to honest counselors. It will lead us to isolate ourselves so that we are not accountable to others.
If you are tired of reading about the bad things that pride causes us to do, let it be a warning that pride does all this and more. It is a tiresome enemy that has caused great men and women the world around to come to their destruction. Many a loving relationship has been destroyed because of pride on the part of one or both in the relationship. We have a difficult time hearing and understanding the bad things that we do, but we need to be reminded that we cannot live the life Christ wants us to live, unless we constantly examine our hearts for any iniquity that we might be harboring, and give it up to God.
Friends, we need to learn to be humble. Humility is pleasing to God and places our life in a position where God will honor us. If pride has crept into some areas of your life, ask God to give you victory over it before it robs you of God's will for you. Recognize and admit your pride, don't let it take from you the things that God has blessed you with, including your relationship with Him.
May God richly bless you today!! H Trent!
You know, seriously speaking, this is a really hard thing to do.
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