05/02: Pride
If you are visiting me today because you read the Encouragement For Today devo, WELCOME! I am thrilled you stopped in to see me. I must tell you I am still suffering with the Holy Hangovers from the big event last weekend, Encouragement EXTREME. If you want to know more about that jump over to EncouragementCafe.com
At the event we touched on what Pride looks like in our daily life. I wonder if we really recognize all the different forms it can take? I once pictured it as only a puffed up arrogant person, but that is only one view.
Pride can trip us up by disguising itself as the complete opposite. Do you know anyone who constantly beats themselves up for their past? They choose not to believe that God is big enough to create in them a new heart and life? Their constant self-loathing is a reverse form of pride.
They are saying, "I know more than You God. I know I'm not worthy of Your grace, or Your time. I was obviously a mistake. So I'm right and You're wrong." It sounds pretty strong and maybe even mean to say that. I should be more sensitive and caring when dealing with someone who is so fragile, right.
Maybe. Maybe we should carefully point them to the Word in Philippians 4:13 that says, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." I think too often many of us reword that verse to read something like:
"I WON'T do anything because I don't believe He gives me strength."
The fact is, either the Bible is true or it's not. We can't pick and choose what we want to believe in it. It is either all true or it is all the most cleverly constructed lie known to man. No lie ever stands for very long. Look at our headlines each day. The truth always has a way of coming to the surface. So how could the Bible continue to be the number one seller each year if it was a lie?
So we have to choose to believe it all. Even the parts that are tough to hear. Like:
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
2 Timothy 4:17 NIV
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength
Matthew 21:22 NIV
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Pride, it is often cleverly disguised as something else. I'm asking God to shine his searchlight in my heart for hidden pride. For this is me:
1 Timothy 1:15 NIV
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.
Together let's believe that Jesus' sacrifice was enough....for even me.
At the event we touched on what Pride looks like in our daily life. I wonder if we really recognize all the different forms it can take? I once pictured it as only a puffed up arrogant person, but that is only one view.
Pride can trip us up by disguising itself as the complete opposite. Do you know anyone who constantly beats themselves up for their past? They choose not to believe that God is big enough to create in them a new heart and life? Their constant self-loathing is a reverse form of pride.
They are saying, "I know more than You God. I know I'm not worthy of Your grace, or Your time. I was obviously a mistake. So I'm right and You're wrong." It sounds pretty strong and maybe even mean to say that. I should be more sensitive and caring when dealing with someone who is so fragile, right.
Maybe. Maybe we should carefully point them to the Word in Philippians 4:13 that says, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." I think too often many of us reword that verse to read something like:
"I WON'T do anything because I don't believe He gives me strength."
The fact is, either the Bible is true or it's not. We can't pick and choose what we want to believe in it. It is either all true or it is all the most cleverly constructed lie known to man. No lie ever stands for very long. Look at our headlines each day. The truth always has a way of coming to the surface. So how could the Bible continue to be the number one seller each year if it was a lie?
So we have to choose to believe it all. Even the parts that are tough to hear. Like:
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
2 Timothy 4:17 NIV
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength
Matthew 21:22 NIV
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Pride, it is often cleverly disguised as something else. I'm asking God to shine his searchlight in my heart for hidden pride. For this is me:
1 Timothy 1:15 NIV
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.
Together let's believe that Jesus' sacrifice was enough....for even me.
(RSS)
Sarah (GenMom) wrote:
I was inspired by your words that self-loathing is the opposite of pride. It is still a self-centered way to put oneself before the power of the Lord.
Praise the Lord that He is in control. Time to surrender all.