333 Words

333 WORDS….

Humility is good, very good, and brings us good, much good. And pride is bad, very bad, and brings us bad, much bad.

Within most is humility and pride…. and both produce a bountiful crop. Wisdom dictates we grow the one and diminish the other.

Pride is plentiful in Christ’s church. We can, and often do, take pride in our work, our possessions, our gifts, our character, our ministry, our…. everything.

We think it’s okay to be proud of another – “I’m proud of my husband/wife…. our children are our pride and joy” – but it’s not okay.

Father said; “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Father did not say: “This is My beloved Son in whom I am proud.”

Jesus referenced His Father often, but not once did He express pride. Not once did our Lord tell His twelve He was proud of them. Some of us will hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”; none will hear Jesus say, “Good job. I am proud of you.”

It was pride, sprouted in Lucifer’s heart, that initiated the fall of man and numerous angels. Pride (etcetera) created that enormous chasm between the pharisee and his Redeemer. Pride (etcetera) keeps those on “the highway to hell” (NLT) on “the highway to hell”.

For the redeemed, pride ensures scant “gold, silver, precious stones”. Unchecked, it could put us back on “the highway to hell”. Who could measure the savagery of pride?

So how do we grow humility and diminish pride? Here’s one way….

James 5:16: Confess your faults one to another.

Confessing pride (or whatever) requires humility. We do have humility, and humility is a choice. It will be painful, very. But admitting our defects could have the equivalent effect of a lengthy fast. (Think about that.)

So many christians could, but won’t/don’t, free themselves through humility. Some remain afflicted with pride for decades because they are too proud to admit spiritual pride. Sad.

“Help us, Lord Jesus!”