Today's blog is about the sin we all deal with, Pride. So go put on some shoes to protect your toes. I've got on boots myself. "Pride will kill you. Forever. Pride is the sin most likely to keep you from crying out for a Savior. Those who think they are well will not look for a doctor. I need to reach for the glasses of Christ-like humility, remembering that nothing good dwells in my flesh, and search my heart for secret pride and its symptoms." [desiringGod.com] "Pride has kept many people from accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. Admitting sin and acknowledging that in our own strength we can do nothing to inherit eternal life is a constant stumbling block for prideful people."[gotquestions.org]
Let's begin with describing and defining what Pride is, so we can better identify it within us. Pride is an attitude of self exaltation and superiority. It is looking down on others. It involves arrogance, self-sufficiency, and a refusal to submit to the authority of Jesus Christ. Pride is essentially self-worship. There are two types of pride...inward pride and outward pride. Outward pride is a numbness to the desires of God and others, because there is a focus on self. Inward pride is an obsession with how others feel about us. None of us are exempt from pride, but before we think too highly of ourselves, we must remember we are all image bearers of God.
Proverbs 21:2-4 "A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin."
Why is it so important to address the Pride within our hearts and minds? Pride is sin and sin separates us from God and blocks off the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Proverbs 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
Humility is about being planted in reality. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but of thinking of ourselves less. Life is not all about us and our desires, but of fulfilling God's desires and purposes through us. Humility is having an accurate and humble view of ourselves, not too highly or too lowly. Humility is not having a need to be more than who you are. Humility gives us the freedom to be generous, to give away our power, to give away privilege, to give away opportunities, to give up the need to be right, to have the last word, to give up defensiveness, to be generous without expecting anything in return, to give up feelings of entitlement.
Matthew 11:28- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
When you feel convicted about the sin of pride, use that opportunity to pray and yoke up with Jesus and give that burden to Him. "Reach for the glasses of Christ-like humility, remembering that nothing good dwells in the flesh, and search your heart for secret pride and its symptoms."
Seven sneaky symptoms of the infection of pride. [J. Edwards/Desiring God]
1. Fault-Finding--Instead of seeing our own heart needs of improvement, we dissect others
2. A Harsh Spirit--speak of others’ sins with contempt, irritation, frustration, or judgment.
3. Superficiality--Having peace with viewable sins, but little concern about hidden sin
4. Defensiveness--"True humility is not knocked off balance and thrown into a defensive posture by challenge or rebuke, but instead continues in doing good, entrusting the soul to our faithful Creator."
5. Presumption Before God--No regard to '‘Worship the Lord with reverence, and rejoice with trembling.’ or thinking God's grace isn't sufficient.
6. Desperation for Attention-- seeking the glory that comes from men, not God.
7. Neglecting Others--Pride prefers some people over others
I hope this blog has helped you with your own area of pride. A lot of my blog comments came from the women's biblical leadership conference called IF:Lead 2018. I love how we can all encourage each other in this journey of life, including our sinful ways.