I Can do it Myself Proverbs 16.18 “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” I will never forget my daughter’s words to me as I tried to help her learn the art of tying a shoe. She said, “Daddy, I will do it myself!” Well, being the stubborn dad that I was, I demanded that she submit and let me teach her how to tie a shoe correctly. She pushed back and kept saying, “Do it myself, do it myself.” So, I let her do it herself. Ten minutes later, after many failed attempts and even more tears, my little independent angel surrendered and let me begin the process of teaching her how to tie her shoes. And, to no surprise, it was not long before she was able to “do it herself.” Her puffed up, independent attitude resulted in failure, frustration and a broken spirit. She was then ready to admit that she needed her father’s help. The lesson my daughter learned is one of the major lessons that the American church needs to learn. What is that lesson? A prideful, arrogant heart that is not teachable will fail miserably! It is a fact, we are failing to impact lostness and reach the American culture with the good news of Jesus. Do you ever wonder why? Today’s scripture text speaks directly to the heart of the problem. When pride and arrogance are present, destruction and failure are soon to follow. The word for “pride” describes “a boastful confidence in ones own accomplishments and ability.” The word for “haughty spirit” refers to “a continuous attitude that is puffed up and self-absorbed.” Both are a picture of someone who is spiritually blind and believes that they have greater wisdom, ability and honor than God. They may never admit that this attitude is present but their actions point to a life that does not pray, is self-absorbed and self-centered. Pride and a haughty spirit produce a false sense of self-confidence which ultimately leads to complete failure and destruction. Do you think it is time for us to humble ourselves before God? Prayer Points • Ask the Lord to forgive any prideful attitudes in your heart • Pray for believers and churches to confess prideful and arrogant ways—seeking the Lord in genuine humility and repentance
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 10:00:00 +0000
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