Pride - Stumbling block in a Christian life

[Amazing Grace Ministry]

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today I would like to discuss about one of the most destructive character, ever found to destroy mankind. Pride it is said, that set in the motion the "wheel of evil".

The first prey of Pride was an angel called Lucifer. The Bible says, he was the most beautiful angel created by God. Precious stones were used to cover him. And he was set upon the holy mountain of God (what a close fellowship he enjoyed with God) – Ezekiel ch28v13-14. He was even given a special name called "Son of the Morning". But alas one day, Pride got into him. He (Lucifer) said, "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God", "I will be like most High" (Isaiah ch14v12-14). Oh! What a foolish thought? The creature willing to become like the creator!

What was the result? The Bible says, God cast him from heaven to the ground (Ezekiel ch28v17). Oh what a great fall it was. From glory to misery, blessings to curse, brightness to darkness. What a pitiable change Pride has wrought in one of the most chosen angel? How much more it could do to us, if we are not careful.

Rightly has King Solomon said "Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall – Proverbs ch16v18.

God doesn't like a proud heart. God says in Jeremiah ch50v31 "Behold I am against thee, thou most proud".

Pride destroys almost every aspects of our life, especially our spiritual life. Pride springs from the thought that we are a self righteous person (before God), and that we are much better than others. Let me share with you a small parable which Jesus told his disciples to explain what pride could do to a man. (Luke ch18v12). There were two people who went to the temple to pray. The one was a Pharisee  and the other a Publican. The Pharisee in this scenario is depicted as someone who is outwardly religious. The publican is a tax collector by profession.

In verses 11, 12 & 13 we read "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, give tithes of all that I possess". "The Publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner".

There are a few things which I wish to show you from this parable. We read, how the Pharisee said a self justifying prayer. He even judged or showed contempt against the publican who was present in the temple that day. He also mentions about how he fasts twice a week, and also gives tithes. Now praying, fasting, giving tithes are all good. But what nullifies the works, is the attitude adapted. In this case, the Pharisee was full of pride. He only had good things to say about himself. In his eyes, he was purer than anyone else. In his eyes, he was perfect.

Whereas the Publican it is said that he stood afar off, this could mean the Pharisee would have gone and stood near the altar, to show others his close relationship with God. But the Publican, realizing his sinful condition stands far away, he doesn't even dare to lift up his eyes, but smote his breast, which signifies that he hated himself for the sins he has done. And he had nothing to boast of, and so his prayer was of very few words, but one of  the most effective prayer or supplication recorded in the Bible. He said "God be merciful to me a sinner".

It doesn't matter if we pray standing, sitting, or saying a big prayer with eloquent words, or a stuttered nervous prayer. What God sees is our heart. Our sincerity, our feelings, and that is what makes the big difference.

As you see in the above parable, Jesus said "The Publican left the temple, justified than the Pharisee". The Pharisee came in a self righteous man and returned the same way, if not worse. Whereas, the Publican came in as a sinner and returned justified.

A famous speaker once said: "Pride is so subtle that if we aren't careful we'll be proud of our humility. When this happens our goodness becomes badness. Our virtues become vices. We can easily become like the Sunday School teacher who, having told the story of the Pharisee and the publican, said, 'Children, let's bow our heads and thank God we are not like the Pharisee!"

So dear in Christ, be watchful against this dangerous trait. Pride is like a dangerous virus, which could creep into our hearts without our knowledge, and destroy us.

Our only help is in God. Let us join our hearts and pray for God's guidance and protection in this matter.

God Bless you,

Amazing Grace Ministry

>>>>Share the good news<<<<
To Subscribe or Unsubscribe, please write to amazinggra...@gmail.com