This is a phrase I've heard my pastor say often, and each time he says it, I get a fresh perspective.
The Bible doesn't speak lightly or infrequently about this sin. I think this is because God, as our Creator, knows us well. Pride comes in many forms, and sadly it is often overlooked and left alone to fester like a wound. Pride is indeed a lie we believe about ourselves that sometimes causes us to believe lies about others. .I was reminded of this through the account of Haman found in Esther 1-7. Haman had a false belief of himself. He thought everyone should bow down to him. He thought he was above everyone. He was right, and everyone else was wrong- especially Mordecai. The truth is, the only thing that is never wrong is God's Holy Word, and when we, in our very fallible state, determine everyone else at fault, it's time to examine ourselves with God's Word. Sadly, Haman had a heritage of distaste for Jews. A learning that had been passed down. Possible intentionally but perhaps maybe even unintentionally. Let us be reminded of how our actions and words speak to children who one day become adults. What do our words and actions teach them about authority? How will that overflow into their career setting one day? More importantly, how will that flow into their role in their families one day? Haman's pride blinded him. Although Mordecai had done nothing wrong, all he saw was fault. Does that mean Mordecai was faultless? Nah. We all fail, but Haman was consumed. He wanted what he wanted, and as he was driven by his selfish desires, he saw nothing good and became enraged. Enraged to the point of making really poor choices. When we become angry, it is so important to assess that anger. I am a passionate human being. Maybe you are too. That passion is a gift from God, but don't you know Satan would love nothing more than to use it for evil. Sometimes my passion is used to further God's Kingdom, and sometimes I allow it to become a hindrance as it turns into stubbornness, false beliefs, and more. May we be careful with how blinding pride can be. Pride can truly wreck our view of others. Perhaps we become jealous and have distaste that swells into hatred. We should celebrate victories and rejoice with others. Perhaps we disagree with someone, and that turns into disappointment which leads to bitterness which has a strong root. We're called to forgiveness. That's the entire reason Jesus left His throne is Heaven is so that we can have forgiveness through His blood. Because you know what we are? Stinky, ol' sinners, and we do not deserve Heaven. Our sin deserves hell. You might be reading this, and maybe your pride just swelled up in you. How dare she say that? But it's true. Our sin is the reason Jesus came, and we are totally unworthy, but that is what makes Jesus Who He is- Savior of the world, and talk about humbling. He loved you, me, and the entire world enough to take on our sin, so that we can have a relationship with Him and an eternity Heaven. Wow. Isn't that a lie of pride we often believe? We often think we deserve or don't deserve something. Someone does something to us. We get mad. We begin to believe lies about them. Bitterness grows. And it's quite an endless cycle. Endless until we forgive. Side note: I know the phrase "Everything happens for a reason" is very cliche, but can I tell you something? God is quite intentional. And although he doesn't cause things to happen, I believe He is omnipotent which means He can stop things which means He allows things. Always for our own good and His glory. What a different perspective we might have if we looked at every opportunity, whether it appear good or bad to us, as a divine opportunity. Look at Esther. She was in a position she culturally shouldn't have been in, but God made a way and USED her. Look at Haman, he believed lies about himself. He exalted himself above others putting others beneath him. Pride. What if instead of sin, we chose (with the Holy Spirit's help) holiness? Who can I share the Gospel with because of this hard thing? What is God trying to teach me? God very well might be protecting me from something. God is omnipotent and omniscient, therefore, this hard thing must be the right thing. (Which I could get into a whole tangent on lies we believe about God causing us to have pride, but what is important to know is that He is the Creator of the universe. He created you. He knows ya well.) Whose life will be better because of this tragedy?. I messed up, but I know it's nothing that God can't redeem. What lesson can I learn? Now, none of those are a humanly possible response- ONLY with Jesus. Isn't it wonderful to have the Holy Spirit residing in you to help with such a thing. If you don't know Christ personally, I'd sure love to tell you more. Pride never lifts us up. It only brings us down. This is quite evident in Haman's life. 13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Proverbs 8: 13 5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lordunderstand all things. 6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. Proverbs 28:25-26 18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:!8
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