WAGE WAR ON PRIDE

Pride is the prophet of doom. Scripture makes this unmistakably clear:

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Proverbs 16:18).

Notice—pride always comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit always precedes a fall. These are not mere possibilities; they are certainties. Pride announces destruction the way budding trees declare the arrival of spring. It’s the bailiff declaring judgment is near.

Like the young man I saw strutting through the mall, pride is unmistakable. It walks before destruction, shouting its arrival. Just as sirens signal an approaching ambulance, pride is the unmistakable warning that a fall is near.

God’s Word warns us:
• “For You save an afflicted people, but haughty eyes You abase” (Psalm 18:27).
• “No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure” (Psalm 101:5).

Brothers and sisters, pride is the only sin that grips every one of us. Though you may not struggle with a particular sin that others battle, no one escapes pride’s reach.

1. Insecurity: Do you struggle with accepting constructive criticism?
2. Defensiveness: Are you overly concerned with justifying yourself?
3. Impatience:  Do you believe that your agenda is more important than everyone else's?
4. Lack of a Submissive Attitude: Do you struggle with following leadership? 
5. Boasting: Must you proclaim your accomplishments?
6. Arrogance: Do you need others to take your advice, rather than believing there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors?
7. Comparison: Do you live in an attitude of comparing and competing?

If these signs are present in your life, wage war on pride. Teach your children to do the same. If you see pride brewing in your children's hearts, take care not to feed it. Instead, teach them to seek God’s approval, not man’s.

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourself under His mighty hand, and He will lift you up in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

When Peter began following Christ at a dangerous distance, pride crept in and worked its destruction. Let's be quick to recognize its pull before it takes hold in our hearts.

My name is Zach Terry. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are my own, with occasional interjections from my bride of nearly 25 years, Julie. This format of publication is meant to allow for engagement and interaction. Feel free to comment. But please, be nice.