No other topic evokes my attention as the subject of pride. This may be because the Lord has caused me to become more aware of its vicious activity within me. Praise be to the Lord of mercy!
The worst nature of pride is that it is best visible in others than in oneself, unless the Lord mercifully opens our eyes to see its merciless destructive work within us and through us in others.
“Father in Heaven, enlighten our eyes to clearly see that arrogance within us and deliver us for this evil. Humble us, O God of humility, to walk with you intimately and to get along with people peacefully.”
It’s always humbling to read on pride. In my personal study on this pathetic topic, I recently came across an intriguing description on pride penned by Beth Moore. May the Lord use this to help us know the deceptive nature of pride within us.
Remember, pride is no friend of us; it is a deadly foe. The more we nourish it, the more it ruins us from within and without. It gives a good feeling of yourself while degrading you before others.
So, here is pride personified:
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny…because
you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment…because
you “deserve better than this.”
I cheat you of knowledge…because
you already know it all.
I cheat you of healing…because
you are too full of me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness…because
you refuse to admit when you are wrong.
I cheat you of genuine friendship…because
nobody’s going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love…because
real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven…because
you refuse to wash another’s feet on earth.
I cheat you of God’s glory…because
I convince you to seek your own.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I’m always looking out for you.
Untrue! I’m looking to make a fool of you.
God has much for you, I admit, but don’t worry…
If you stick with me, you’ll never know.[1]
Note: [1] Beth Moore, Praying God's Word (Nashville, Tennessee: B & H Publishing Group, 2009), pg. 59
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Stephen David
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