Guard You Heart against Pride.
One of the most important things we must examine in this study is the subject of pride. Pride is difficult to define and detect within our selves. Pride is deceptive itself and our flesh cannot detect it. Pride is like a chameleon; it blends with the environment immediately when its presence is suspected. But when it’s not suspected it prances around in technicolor. Pride is our carnal nature’s method of protection and healing for injury. Pride places us in God’s position and when pride is present God is not pleased with us. There are many scriptures that tell us this, such as: Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith. [Habakkuk 2:4 NJKV]
The Bible also warns us: These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him, a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. [Proverbs 6:16-19 NKJV] I’d like to point out that first on the list is pride and its manifestation. That is significant because a common misunderstanding about pride is that it is private. Not true. It’s obvious and it not only is obvious to others, it will deceive us until it’s final goal is accomplished, which is humiliation.
Pride is never from God. Those who don’t make it through the chastisement are those who reach for the pride of life to serve as the band-aids of their heart. They continue to lead with puffed up hearts and allure others with the lust of the flesh. This is what the devil himself harbored in his own heart – the poison of pride. It’s a very subtle ingredient that also deceives but it does not come from God.
Pride, because it is the carnal nature’s version of dignity or self-esteem is deceptive. It leads to destruction. The scripture tells us: Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. [Proverbs 16:18 NKJV] We can count on pride to step in an deceive us at any point in life where we find pain because pride will masquerade itself with good intentions but always leads to a fall. Pride is an opportunist and seeks entry at places in life when we’re ridiculed, shamed or mistreated by others. It’s our carnal nature’s version of healing emotional wounds but the deception is that we’re healing ourselves, when in fact, we’ve just stuffed the pain away. When life throws a curve the pain resurfaces. It is proof we’ve never really been healed. Friends, only God alone has that power to heal us from these scars.
Replace Pride with Humility.
When we replace pride with humility – God hears our prayers. Humility is simply living the crucified life. Humility does not seek it’s own interests because that’s God’s job. He is our provider and protector and it is His expectation that we look to Him for everything. That’s not fanaticism – that’s simply a requirement for Him to be real in our lives. Get real with Him and He’ll be real to you. It’s that simple. It’s not rocket science here. He will provide and protect us but when we protect ourselves and rely on our own strength we’ve relinquished His sovereignty in our lives. Yes, God extends His grace to us but we must look to Him as provider and protector. It takes humility to look completely to Him for everything. Every step must be taken in humility with Him.
If pride has blinded you in life from receiving God’s best and walking in His will for your life, pray this prayer: Father in Heaven – show me my pride that I may confess it before you and walk in humility before you. Father, please forgive me of my pride and remove it completely from my heart. Father, please help me keep my focus on you and not my own strengths, accomplishments and abilities. Keep me from looking to the right and to the left. Keep me from engaging in competition with my brothers and sisters in your family. Father, you are my protector and my provider. I will seek your face in all areas of my life. Father, I want to walk in your light and receive your protection and provision. I will give you the glory always. I ask this in the name of your holy son, Jesus, the Christ – amen.
Join me next time on How to Avoid Deception – Part 5 [https://vyzyn.org/how-to-avoid-deception-part-5/].
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