Pride – a destructive element

Sloping path to kodai home.

15 February 2012.

“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14

We are conditioned by society to focus or condemn certain things that we can make out, while overlooking or ignoring less visible acts.

 More invisible things dominates the world rather than the visible matters.

 Hidden thoughts (more dangerous) and thereafter the actions reveal, who we are, to the people around us. The common saying "Out of sight, out of mind" is the way to describe or express the hidden idea of sin. 

We point out  many visible sins such as- adultery, homosexuality, eve teasing racism, betrayal ,murder, drugs addiction etc. At the same time we are ignoring the hidden areas that cunningly seep into our mind and inhabit our spirits (rather spoiled our image and ruining our testimonies) and put off our relationships with God.

 One such sin often over looked( set aside)- is pride. 

The Bible Says

 "haughty eyes" are first on the list of the seven things that are an abomination to God. Proverbs 6:17

"Let another praise you, and not your own mouth." Proverbs 27:2

 Christ spoke of pride : "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:14  

we are reminded of God's complete dislike for a prideful spirit. Because, a prideful person is self centered and egoistic person, who feel that they do not need God and they can do with their wisdom anything in this world. That is simply “I can do it on my own" attitude.

God, our Creator has the perfect plan laid out before us. He has  formed, created and brought us into this world. Our attempt to "do it myself"(pride ) will lead us to the path of self- destruction.

 Pride is so devastating because of its deceptive and erroneous in nature.

 C. S. Lewis said, "A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you." 

We may point out pride in the life of someone else, completely ignorant of the pride in our own lives.

Pride- is a mind -set - revealed in our attitudes and interactions with others. It portrays the person.

 A prideful person 

•  wants to be the center-of-attention at all times, constantly referring to himself at all circumstances.
•  can't handle criticism and
•  hates handing out apologies.(no need to say sorry- it is below their dignity)

• The word sorry will not come out  easily.
•  They can't stand to see others succeed, and
•  refuses to do "menial tasks.
• "Pride thinking keeps their head held high –up.

Don't compare yourself to others; compare yourself to Christ. (at least try to be perfect as far as possible.)

God may allow hardship into our lives when we stumble in daily life. Nothing gets our attention better than going through a difficult time. Remember God’s Grace is sustaining you .

Such experience will filter pride in our life, causing us to return our attention on Him. 

Beware when God is out, pride is in. 

Is pride an issue in your life?

•   Take a break to examine yourself and your interests   
• Ask God to bring to light into the darkened areas, that are hindering your relationship with Him.

• Be still and listen to God’s voice.

•  Open your heart and heed what God reveals to you,

• Give Jesus the prime place in your life.

God bless