Pride...haughtiness!!!

It's Tuesday!!

Know what that means???

Yes, it's time for another of "The Seven Deadly Sins".

Let's talk about "pride".

Definition of Pride

(Merriam-Webster On-Line Dictionary)

An excessively high opinion of oneself; conceit.

Each week, as I've tried to talk a little about each of these "deadly sins", I've learned that I'm either guilty, or have been in the past, of each of them. I never really thought about being prideful before...but, a few weeks ago, while doing our Bible study, we were asked to answer certain questions. Now...years ago, I would have never admitted that I didn't know, or I didn't understand...but I had to admit that I didn't get it...I wasn't seeing what they were talking about. That is a form of pride...when we won't admit a fault, or that we are/were wrong. Our Pastor talked Sunday night about being able to say "I'm sorry" in a relationship. I've done it...I've been wrong and had to ask somebody to forgive me, or tell them that I'm sorry I hurt them. But, I've known people who would rather die than do that because it goes back to being too full of pride.

Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about pride:

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6 (NIV)

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (NLT)

The opposite of being proud is being humble. We have to humble ourselves to admit that we have a fault, or to admit we are wrong about something. Is that always the easiest way to handle a situation? No...but is being a Christian and doing the right thing always easy? No, again!!! Look at Jesus...He humbled Himself more than any other human being in history when He came down from heaven and was born in a nasty, dirty manger. Then, He was killed in the most cruel, demeaning way that anybody could be put to death in His day...hung on a cross. What humility....He wasn't too proud to do that and He did it for me...and for you...He did it for All!!!

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV)

A proud look...what does that remind you of? Somebody thinking so highly of themselves that they "look down their nose" at you. Has that ever happened to you? You're in a situation with another person and if looks could kill....then, you would keel over right then and there. I truly hope that I've never done anybody that way. We are to never think more of ourselves than the next person. We're to always put Jesus first...then others...then, think of ourselves...LAST!!! That shows humility...and wisdom!!!

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 (NLT)

Haughtiness...another word for proud. In my own life, there have been times that I would get too full of myself...thinking "look what I've done"...emphasis on "I'VE". When that happens...most of the time....there will be a "fall". We can do nothing without God...and we have to humble ourselves and give Him all the glory for everything that is accomplished in our lives. I'll give you an example. I think I've been on a diet my entire life. Before I realized that even weight loss comes from God (because gluttony is a sin and we have to admit that it is and let God help us with it)....I would go on a diet and be so proud of myself because I was sticking to a plan and exercising and loosing weight....and about the time that I started having those thoughts in my mind...I would blow the diet and start gaining the weight right back. You know why? Because I was patting myself on the back...I was PROUD!!! And, what happened....my pride came before me falling off the diet...and gaining back the weight I lost...usually plus even more!!!

This is our final verse of scripture...and of all the references that I came across regarding pride...this one touched my heart the most:

I John 2:16 (NLT)
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

I have a weight problem....for those of you who know me personally....well, you know that. Many of you don't know what a struggle it's been for me my entire life....it goes back to childhood. When I read this verse...the part that talks about "craving for physical pleasure"....most people would read that and food would not enter their minds. Then, it goes on to say...."these are not from the Father, but are from this world." The world has nothing to offer us as Christians....any pleasure that we find in worldly things are only for a short time....even food!!! We might find enjoyment in something, but before long it will become boring and we'll be searching for something new to fill the void. I realize that this post is very lengthy...but I won't apologize for that because these things I truly feel God has put upon my heart to share with you all. Maybe pride isn't one of your shortcomings....but I'm realizing it is one of mine. I want all of my cravings to be for Jesus...oh, just typing that makes tears sting my eyes. I truly want Him to have all the glory!!!

Finally...yes, finally....here is a little saying I'll leave you with:

"No one ever choked to death swallowing his pride!!!"

In His Love...and with mine!!!