Pride leads us away from the Lord. It causes us shame, and it plants seeds of fear and doubt. Pride to the soul is what high blood pressure is to the heart; a silent killer.
Many have it and don’t realize it. Some have it, know it and don’t take the proper steps to control it.
We’re living in a culture where pride is acceptable, and dare I say, cool.
Everyone is so proud of themselves as if their accomplishments were accomplished by themselves.
Last time I checked the Lord was in control of all things, and if we are to boast; then we should boast about the cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (AND THAT’S IT!). (Galatians 6:14 NIV - May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.)
In today’s culture posting pics and documenting our lives is the norm.
But why is that? Have we ever stopped and asked ourselves why we do that?
Why do we spend more time posting about our vacations on social media than actually enjoying them?
Or why do we validate each other's feelings of self-admiration when the bible preaches modesty and humility?
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t guilty.
Lately, the Lord has been bringing the topic of pride to the forefront in my conversations with Him, with other believers, and with some sermons He’s led me to.
I believe pride is not only dangerous because it’s sinful, but because it’s one of the many sins we tend to live in unknowingly.
In today’s world, self-love and narcissism are talked about as if they aren’t synonyms; as if they both don’t lead to destruction.
Both highlight a sense of self-importance and selfishness that makes it impossible for us to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus.
In my most-recent experience with pride, the Lord revealed my desire to be recognized. I had a need to be praised and seen by my peers for my accomplishments. So much so that I started to serve the Lord the way I wanted to instead of serving Him the way he intended.
The HUGE problem with that is we are to live to please the Spirit, not the flesh. (Galatians 6:8 NIV- Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.)
Pride got the best of me.
I started to think I knew what was best for me.
Thank God for his grace!
Pride is something I struggle with often, and I know I’m not alone.
It also has the ability to give a person the heart of King Saul instead of King David.
We know King David was known as the man after God’s own heart.
However, King Saul, his predecessor allowed pride to reign in his heart, which led to a life of disobedience then later destruction.
He began to think the plans he had for himself were better than the plans the Lord had for him. He made it a habit to mix his will with a little bit of the Lord’s.
I don’t want that to be me. I don’t want that to be you.
It’s always humbling when Jesus reveals a part of our heart we didn’t know was there.
I’m grateful nonetheless.
Let’s pray.
With this prayer, I hope that we can stand in agreement.
Pride, arrogance, self-love, vanity whatever you want to call it.
The second we make ourselves number one; we set ourselves up for failure.
Now, please don’t confuse self-love with contentment.
Be content with your portion and who the Lord created you to be.(Philippians 4:11-12 NLT- Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.)
Also, remember you do not belong to yourself your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (so take good care of it). (1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT- Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,)
However, be careful! Never put your trust, identity, or hope in things of the world (including your feelings) they are all fleeting, and they cannot save your soul.
Photos Courtesy of: Kai Bell