THE PITFALLS OF PRIDE! Pride is the enemy of every sincere disciple of Jesus Christ and a doubly dangerous foe to leaders in the Body of Christ. The love of fame or position, and the desire for the praise of men, appeal to the fleshly nature (John 12:42,43); but they are invitations for the working of the demonic. Proverbs 16:18 tells us that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall”. In Proverbs 6:16, 17, pride is one of the seven characteristics “the Lord hates”; He considers it an “abomination”. James 3:13-4:10 condemns the attitudes that are a result of pride: “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there”(Jas 3:16). This passage also reveals that those who give place to arrogance become self-deceived and so “lie against the truth”(Jas 3:14) Pride in the human heart is a fertile soil for the lies of Satan to flourish and grow, leading one further and further from the truth. Satan uses people’s pride, encouraging them in their “independence” to look elsewhere for answers and salvation rather than to Jesus Christ, the embodiment of Truth. God is actively opposed to the proud (Jas 4:6). James also exhorts: “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”, and “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (Jas 4:7,10). Once pride is given entrance, it takes root and begins to grow. As pride grows, the things of the Spirit of God are lessened in one’s life, including the humility necessary to walk uprightly before the Lord. Some doorways for pride are: 1. Seeking out position, notice or praise rather than servanthood; 2. Taking credit that others should rightfully receive. 3. Receiving flattery and vain words instead of giving thanks and credit to God; 4. Believing you are in some way superior to others, and expecting privileges because of your “position”; 5. Having attitudes of self-righteousness and pointing out the flaws or failures of others, while putting yourself in a good light; 6. Blaming others for problems or failures, and not taking your share of the responsibility; 7. Lying about or exaggerating your experiences, knowledge or accomplishments; 8. Becoming angry, envious or competitive when others do well or are admired; criticizing their success. If you have found any of these wrong attitudes (or similar attitudes) in your own heart, stop right now. Take a moment to repent (turn away from such behavior and refuse to entertain it); ask Jesus to forgive you and cleanse you of sin (1John 1:8,9); then purpose to walk in humility and servanthood before the Lord. It is your choice alone as to whether you will cooperate with your flesh and the devil and give place to pride – or instead choose to be a servant who walks humbly before God and with others (Rom 13:14; Eph 4:27; Mic 6:8) Praise the Lord!
Posted on: Tue, 25 Jun 2013 06:27:54 +0000
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