It will not end well when we position ourselves above God or people. God hates all sin, but the spirit of pride is at the top of the list. For example, Lucifer was the epitome of pride; therefore, he and the angels who sided with him were thrown out of heaven. King Nebuchadnezzar, another example, lost his mind and ended up living in the wilderness like an animal because of pride. (See Daniel 4:1-34.)
Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before the fall (Proverbs 16:18, LAB).
When Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment in the law, He responded; Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind; is the first commandment. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself. (See Matthew 22:37-40.) All the other commandments are derived from these two laws.
Pride hides in our pride.
I didn’t think I had a problem with pride until the Holy Spirit told me differently. That revelation started me researching this wicked spirit; the more I learned, the more I saw—I’m full of it! But I’m not alone; so is the whole world.
In John 9:1-3, Jesus passed by a man who was blind from birth, when His disciples asked, who sinned, the man or his parents to have caused this condition?
Neither, Jesus replied. The purpose of his state was to demonstrate the power of God.
God doesn’t classify us the way our pride categorizes each other.
Then the Holy Spirit enlightened me when He connected that familiar story with the pride problem the world faces today. Is God using the suffering and trials of others to shine a spotlight on the pride we shelter in our hearts when we judge others?
The world has many perplexing dilemmas, like the immigration overflow and the many homeless people living on the streets. These are complicated matters that we can’t, in good conscience, ignore. Are we lifted in pride when we make unkind judgments as to why they’re in such dire predicaments? Do we accuse them and say it’s their fault without walking a step in their shoes? How do we know these impoverished strangers aren’t angels to test our compassion?
Don’t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (Hebrews 13:2, LAB)
The apostle Paul made a profound statement in 1 Corinthians 15:10 that we should think about every time our pride judges someone’s circumstances.
But by the grace of God I am what I am:
What do you think Jesus would do about those desperate situations if He were here today? If you don’t have any idea, read the Gospels and learn about His character and ways—then answer that question.
I’ve heard people say Christianity is for the weak-minded, but little do they know, it takes strength to set their desires aside and do what’s right in the sight of God. Only the strong and powerful can continue the work of Jesus until He returns.
But how can they, if they allow pride to lead the way? Jesus was of no reputation; He took on human flesh and became a humble servant. He fed and clothed the poor; He ate with people the Pharisees and Sadducees despised, and He valued people, not possessions.
First pride, then the crash—the bigger the ego, the harder the fall (MSG).
This isn’t going to end well if pride has its way.
© 2021
See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.