Message Library

The Danger of Pride

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But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."

James 4:6

The Lord opposes pride because it can easily place our will over God’s will. Pride is something we always fight because we are created self-centered in this fallen world and Satan is always tempting us to be our own god. We can actually be prideful in certain areas of our life and not even be aware of it.

The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled). (Isaiah 2:12) We are to be humble, putting our pride in Christ. Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. (Proverbs 26:12) It’s easy for us to take pride in ourselves rather than take pride in the Lord. However, it is more satisfying and fulfilling to give God the credit for everything we achieve in life with a thankful heart.

The Pharisees were the religious leaders when Jesus was ministering. The Pharisees were prideful and Jesus said their hearts were far from God. ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. (Matthew 15:8-9) Jesus quoted this prophecy to the Pharisees because they were prideful and looked for praise only from men. Pride blocks the heart from receiving God’s Truth. Even a small amount of pride can affect our service to the Lord causing us to depend on ourselves when we should depend on Christ. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) How can we remain in Christ if we exhibit a high level of pride?

Satan is always seeking to tempt us to be prideful, but if we truly know God we will be humble and secure in Christ, which kills pride. Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. (Proverbs 29:23) Our spirit depends on Christ making us humble and we can bring honor to the Lord.

Today be careful not be prideful, but trust the Lord for his divine guidance with a secure, humble heart. It takes a humble heart to minister to others because a prideful heart can reveal a defensive attitude, just like the Pharisees.

Prayer: Lord, take away any pride today and give me a secure, humble heart. Guide me in the Spirit to reveal your love to others with a humble heart. In Jesus name, Amen