Pride is a universal human condition (except for Jesus, of course). I know I’m prideful. “Look at what I’ve done!” “Wasn’t I wise to decide that?” Alas!
Pride is really self-worship. It’s exalting in one’s perceived excellence, one’s own importance. Pride wants recognition, praise, glory for oneself. Pride dismisses God. “Look at me! Who needs God?”
God HATES Pride
I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to graven images. (Isaiah 42:8)
GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5)
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD. (Proverbs 16:5)
Don’t Be Proud
We are what we are because of God: He chose our birthdate, gender, race, ethnicity, parents, country, intelligence, talents, etc. etc. etc. etc. All things come from Him (Romans 11:36).
We, though, are responsible, and we have responsibilities. We are to work hard in the Lord. We are to walk in a manner worthy of Him.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10)
Stomp Pride When You Sense It
We must be alert to times we praise ourselves rather than God.
IMMEDIATELY, when you see it, sense it, smell it, confess your sin of pride.
With humility, acknowledge God’s rule in your life, and confess your dependence on Almighty God.
And repeat as often as necessary!
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Father, HELP! We want to please You. We reject pride, knowing that You created us, Your moral children, and that You are sovereign over all things. Please show us when we are prideful, for we want to confess our pride. Thank You that You will forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
