Pride comes before the fall
In a world of social media, selfies, and endless “influencers” searching for likes and followers - one has to wonder if the enemy is setting us up to engage in a spirit of pride? I think the all resounding answer is YES! So how can we identify pride first in ourselves - and then discern it in others?
Proverbs 6:16-19 says :There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
What are “Haughty Eyes?” - A prideful, arrogant look. These are those people that think they are wise in their own eyes, they exalt their “truth, wisdom, and experiences” over others. In the Christian community, they will weaponize Scripture to fit their narrative. They do not approach others with humility, only looking to be “right” in every situation. When we look at these 7 things that the Lord hates - the top of the list is pride.
“Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5). Instead of harboring thoughts of love to others, the proud person harbors judgment and bitterness. Instead of expressing kindness and compassion, they express disparagement. They are convinced of their superiority in achievement, intellect, morality, or spirituality. They are self-obsessed.
Pride is a state of mind and more so, a condition of the heart in which a person has displaced the rule of God over his life with the rule of his own will. Instead of depending entirely on God, and on God’s design… a proud heart now looks to itself to decide what is good and what is evil. This was exactly the folly of Adam and Eve when they determined to rebel against God to follow the lie of “becoming like gods.”
This was also the demise of Lucifer in his 5 “I wills” in the book of Isaiah 14:13-14 - where he proclaims his disobedience and sinful nature against the most High God. But are we not the same?
Let’s start with the Biblical tenet of “taking the plank out of our own eye” first and answer the following questions:
Where are you operating in pride? Are you believing in yourself and this world system over faith in God? Do you elevate your comfort and needs above others? Do you believe you are more knowledgable, wise and better than most? How do you respond when people confront your views? Do you seek the good of the body of Christ or do you seek your desire to be right? Are you dissatisfied with your life and what God has given you? Is it your will or God’s will?
If you answered any of these with opposition to the heart posture of humility and love - then chances are you are operating in some pride. Confess and ask the Lord to forgive you, make amends if needed, and ask God to give you a humble heart. We do not want God to be opposed to us, but as it says in James, if we refuse to be humble we will be in contradiction with God and not receive His favor.
James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
**If you are struggling with pride in your life or struggling in other areas - schedule an appointment today and let’s create an action plan to help you. Also be sure to subscribe to receive newsletters about upcoming workshops on this topic and more!
