21-August 2011
We usually say ‘GOD LOVES’, ‘GOD IS MERCYFUL’ etc. Remember God hates something , which is sinful. “These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren”.Proverbs6:16-19
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren”.Proverbs6:16-19
The dictionary defines Pride: The quality or state of being proud, as excessive self-esteem, an unreasonable conceit of superiority- in talents, power beauty, rank, or wealth etc ; We usually think being proud is not a sinful attitude. We are encouraged in our lives to be proud of ourselves, to take pride in one's own achievements and abilities. It sounds reasonable, to be proud of the success of our loved ones etc . Pride only made Lucifer to set himself in conflict with God in heaven, and to rebel against God's power and authority. Pride is the cause for the fallen state of mankind. Pride is one of the seven sins referred as "deadly sins" which happens to be the origin of most of our sins.
And the Bible tells us that our Heavenly Father HATES pride! God hates haughty eyes. God seeks a reflection of the character of the person through his eyes. “Face is the index of mind” and eyes has the potential to reveal itself in a multifarious ways. All the diverse expression are there to be read on ones face, for those who can read them. What God hates is the character which the eyes display, basically pride, egotism, conceit, and self importance.
The expression on the faces usually shows, “I am important,” - “I don’t have time for you,” – "I am better than you” “I know more than you” – such attitudes portrays the essence of pride—a proud look. Such facial expressions are seen throughout the society, actually a snare on the personality, exist in this world. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16
We read in the bible about the eyes and its expression, it states, “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.”Luke 11:34. Avoid a proud look—God hates it.
Pride is at the top of the list because it is the main factor which drives us to disobedience and rebellion against God’s laws. God knows that pride can live in a place very deep in men’s hearts. He also knows that most of the sin emerge because of pride.That is why pride is at the top of the list of things who God is greatly opposed to.
The Bible has a lot to say about pride…..and it is all negative:
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs (11:2). “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”(Proverbs 16:18). “Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.” (Proverbs:21:4.)“whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”(Psalm 101:5)
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs:16:18)“Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished" (Proverbs. 16:5); “The Lord shall cut off... the tongue that speaketh proud things “(Psalm 12:3);"God resists the proud..." (James. 4:6)
Proud people are warned in many incidents in the Bible
“For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon everyone that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and 'he shall be brought low” (Isaiah 2:12).
The scriptures also say that God “knows them from afar off”; and God will “bring down haughty [proud] looks”.
Pride is the most subtle of sins. It can break into our life and pollute Our prayer- life, our faith, our obedience to God, our willingness to self-sacrifice, our ability to speak, and our patience, and can spoil our self esteem and a sense of superiority over others.
Pride is the opposite of humility. God wants us to seek godliness. Jesus said, "Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart". We, too, must be adorned "with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:4).
God has the final word on this: God will reward or exalt a humble heart, with those who are humble in spirit
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time “(1 Peter 5:6).
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:6-7, 10
Be alert.
Satan has a hidden trap laid for you.
you have to identify, to avoid.
Be filled with the power of God and you can see the devil flee from you.
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