“I hate pride and arrogance!”
—Proverbs 8:13
It is a horrible fact, whether we admit it or not, that pride is the most common sin which permeates the sinful human nature. We are all born Pharisees and rebels against God. We all naturally think far better of ourselves than we ought to think. We all naturally imagine that we deserve something better than we have. “A proud and haughty man; “Scoffer” is his name; He acts with arrogant pride” (Proverbs 21:24).
Pride is an age-old sin. It began in the heart of Lucifer when he determined to exalt himself above the Almighty (Isaiah 14:12-14). The sin of pride next reared its ugly head in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve thought, just like Lucifer, to be like God determining good and evil. They wanted to be their own authority, to do their own thing, to be their own boss. Pride is a subtle sin that rules and reigns in many hearts without being detected, and can even wear the costume of humility. “Therefore, pride serves as their necklace” (Psalm 73:6). Pride is a soul-ruining sin. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). The sin of pride causes a person to resist repentance, start a feud, cast forgiveness behind the back, overlook the needs of others, and pride continually fuels hatred for Christ and His church. “By pride comes nothing but strife…” (Proverbs 13:10).
However, of all garments, none is more graceful, none wears so well, and none is as rare as the virtue called humility. “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor” (Proverbs 29:23). Humility is essential in the life of every believer and it is a defining mark of a true Christian. The key element to a life of humility is submission to the Word of God. A person who is unwilling to submit to God’s Word is a person filled with soul-damning pride, which is exactly opposite of humility. You see, an attitude of submission is the fruit of humility, and true humility is demonstrated by obedience to God. Therefore, Scripture calls every believer to “…be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). And James calls on every believer to “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10).
Does your life manifest humility or pride? Our prayer should be that the Lord digs out every stench of pride that still dwells within our sinful heart. Praise God our salvation rests securely in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the only One who never had a prideful attitude, but always walked in perfect humility before God and men! Praise God for JESUS, our ONLY hope of humility, forgiveness, wisdom, redemption, and reconciliation with God. Jesus truly is our only hope of salvation! Trust Him! Praise Him! Submit to Him!
Tuesday Encouragement: January 12, 2021
In Christ,
Pastor S. Henry