Sinful Pride     
 

by R. J. Evans

 

"Pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense."  — C. S. Lewis Pride is a sin that is condemned many times in the Bible, yet it is so deceptive and insidious that it threatens all of us in various ways. It is such a dangerous sin, because it is so easily seen  and loathed in others, but rarely recognized in one’s own life. The sin of pride has kept multitudes of individuals from obeying God and faithfully doing His will. The first thing required of any person who would please God is to humble himself. And pride keeps so many from ever doing what God has commanded in such passages as James 4:10: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, And He will lift you up.” God’s attitude toward pride is expressed in such passages  as  Proverbs 16:5: “Everyone who is proud  in heart is an abomination to the Lord.” One of the seven abominations that God   hates  is  “A proud look” (Prov. 6:17). Even when we have done some good deed, we must be careful not to allow pride to step in and cause us to “blow our own horn” — “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matt. 6:3). The Bible says, “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not    your own lips” (Prov. 27:2). In other words, if there is a reason we should be praised, let it be done by our friends, brethren or companions with modesty. We may have done something worthwhile, but let us not forget that the value of the deed may be grossly inflated in our own minds.  But, in the minds of our listeners, the deed, no matter how good, may not be accepted for the value we perceive it to have. So when we do our good works and good deeds, don’t exaggerate, overstate or magnify them—they may become the biggest enemy we have—don’t nourish them by boasting! If they are truly worthwhile, the world will know about it.  Then we can graciously receive commendation, and retain the utmost respect in doing so. Someone has said that pride is “the welcome mat to every spiritual prison cell.” Pride can be such a stronghold — it cheats wherever it plays.  Let us all be mindful that "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall" and "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall"  (Prov. 16:18; 1 Cor. 10:12).     Other Articles by R. J. Evans Commitment and Joy Stillness and Joy Beware of False Teachers Contradictory Concepts? Do It Because You Don't Want To Why Don't We Seek? Diligently Seeking God   For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com