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Topic: Pride (04/12/04)
TITLE: Are Ye So Prideful? By Calvin Moss 04/14/04 |
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By
Calvin J. Moss
Pride is something that man has carried along since day one, a trick of the devil. Pride means a state of being proud. It is inordinate self-esteem, a form of conceit. Sadly, there are books on self-esteem or personal development that really books of pride. This is so because God`s way of doing things are completely different from our way. God says, “Lean not unto your own understanding”. I believe that god characterizes these books as the world`s wisdom. Now some of these books are good books based on biblical truths. I have read a good amount of books and listened to tapes on personal development.
I believe that these materials were an additional bridge to my relationship with Jesus. Although these books make points, they often leave out the most important part: GOD! See, anything that is predominantly self this or self that, is not of God. I like the success-motivation but from God`s point of view. I feel this way because everything begins and ends with God. Yes, God is success and motivation. First John 2:16 says, for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of the life is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away and the lust there of: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.
We must continue to check ourselves for pride daily. When you are asked to do something do you get an attitude about it? I know I am guilty of it. So God hates the pride of life. It displeases God when people go their way without seeking God`s plan for their lives. That is why we need Jesus so we can get direction through the Spirit. The Bible says in Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof is death”. Proverbs 11:2 says “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with thee lowly is wisdom”. In fact, the 21st chapter of Proverbs deals with pride.
In closing, pride is a stumbling block to receiving the abundant life that Jesus gave us. Pride is the reason why some financially successful men and women think they have it all but yet they are broke. They feel that they do not need Jesus. See, their wealth is a cloud of darkness covering their eyes while driving. It prevents them from seeing the light of the sign that says turn right for the Kingdom of God. Jesus said that he who loses his life shall save it, but he who saves his life shall lose it. Losing pride is a process. The purpose continues in Jesus name. Amen.