LOVE IS NOT PROUD
1 Corinthians 13:4
God hates pride. Pride is the reason for the fall of Satan in Isaiah 14. It’s a real deal before God as pride contends for supremacy with Him. Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.” By way of definition, pride is an excessive self-esteem, a sense of superiority over others. It’s a focus on self rather than God. Pride can manifest in different ways, such as arrogance, haughtiness, or a sense of entitlement.
Pride is me elevating me, rather than me elevating God in my life. If I’m full of pride, I am not really worshipping or focused on God and His desires, but on me, myself and I. Proverbs 29:23, Solomon wrote, “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honour.” Pride is really dangerous for any human being, let alone a Christian. No Christian can claim to love if he manifests pride. It is a universal human struggle. It is a subtle yet destructive sin that can creeps silently into our lives and relationships.
Pride can end in separation from God as it can lead to a sense of self-sufficiency, causing us to rely less on God (Proverbs 3:7). It destroys our Relationships causing conflict, division, and broken relationships (Proverbs 13:10). When we are full of pride, we become blind to sin, making it difficult to recognize and repent. (Matthew 7:3-5) It will eventually lead to fall, humiliation and shame. (Proverbs 16:18).
By recognizing the dangers of pride and applying the antidotes of humility (Proverbs 22:4), self-awareness (Psalm 51:3-4), gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18 and repentance (Luke 15:11-24)), we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and walk in humility and obedience to God. It is therefore important that we take heed lest pride take hold of us. We must examine our hearts and life for signs of pride and repent if we are proud in anyway. Then we should take a further step by asking God to give us humble hearts and cultivate humility and gratitude disposition in our daily lives.
PRAYER: Father, we acknowledge the dangers of pride and ask for your help in recognizing and repenting of pride in our lives. Give us humble hearts and a willingness to obey you. May we walk in humility and gratitude, always acknowledging our dependence on you.
