Today
let’s focus on the five-letter word: P R I D E!
In the good sense of the word, we do want to have a sense of pride as we
strive to give God our best efforts. But
we don’t want that pride to turn into something ugly. Often when we succeed, we forget that it’s
God’s favor that helps us. We want the
credit for being successful.
Thankfully, God provides his followers with
concrete wisdom on how to navigate our tendencies toward this ugly personality
trait. (Bill Hybels in The Power
of a Whisper). Let’s look at three verses that should guide us wisely:
1.
James 4:6 “God opposes the proud but shows
favor to the humble.”
2.
James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the
Lord, and he will lift you up.”
3.
Romans 12:16 “Do not be proud, but be willing to associate
with people of low position. Do not think you are superior.”
A word of caution: It’s often easier to see pride in others
than it is to recognize it in ourselves.
Perhaps that’s a good reason to have an accountability partner who loves
you and will point out the pitfalls of pride as they come near. Someone who
speaks the truth in love is a valuable friend. If you don’t already have a
prayer partner who serves as your accountability partner, ask God to reveal just
the person He has in mind.
Be humble;
and allow God to lift you up as you serve His joy to others.
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