I think we need to get down to the heart. The word pride is not the issue. Sure, I am going to say I'm proud of my husband, my parents, a child. Until the Spirit or the Word convicts or confirms that being wrong - we will say it. We were taught that having pride in what we do and being proud of those we love is a good thing. Right or wrong, God knows our hearts.
In addition...let's look at Scripture. Paul tells the church at Corinth - "I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds." See....let's just take a look-see because many times - no matter how specific our question - God can address it with Scripture. We see here that there is a difference between having pride in ourselves or others compared to being full of pride that leads to destruction.
This lesson is about us. Suzy posed the question: "Isn't pride the biggest problem of all Christians?" Maybe. I might pose a different question today: "Is pride MY biggest problem?" The pride of self-indulgence, self-glory - the hunger for me to be higher and stronger and more recognizable.
Haven't we seen what fame can do to a person? It's amazing how we seem to even begin to crave more information about the famous. Sadly - many people in the limelight have been ruined by that fame.
Let us go back to applying this question to our lives....."Does God look mighty in the circumstance or do I?" We really don't want the latter too often. It's tiring. We cannot always meet the standards we set or others set for us. Let us have the courage of Paul to accept those thorns in the flesh that seem to humble us. And let our daily prayer include, Lord, clothe me with humility.
I would love us to talk about going to the cross. Dying to self doesn't sound like much fun - but what if it meant true resurrection? What does it mean to you that for those who are in Christ, life does not end at the cross?
10 comments:
My younger sis once said that "the more we die to our flesh the more Christ can live within us". I know its kinda of hard for me to be the hands and feet of Christ when I'm busy rolling my eyes and being rude to those I love.
Wow, Ginger that is very thought provoking. I think that pride raises many a question and/or thoughts. Probably because we all have dealt with it and wonder how far is too far.
I read an article that described pride as being based on a real desire to be God, at least in one's own circle. Isn't that what satan wanted/wants?
Pride is something most of us struggle with... when we accomplish something we enjoy the praises of our friends and family. I don't think Pride is something we acquire in one day, it's a process that happens over time...
This is a very interesting topic to think about. I don't know which I think is the bigger hurdle in my life and on my path to know God; pride or ego.
Does having pride in something mean we are taking credit for Gods work? And is ego ones personal desire to feel God like?
I don't know. I know too much of either one is a bad thing, but is it ok in small doses?
Our class discussion made me consider the times I have been a prideful Christian. How many times have we been leaving for church on a Sunday and I see the neighbors just getting up or loading up the family to head to the lake. I think "those heathens! They should be in church". I need to spend less time being critical of others and more time trying to fix me!
Well, ego is defined as an exaggerated sense of self-importance...while pride is defined as justifiable self-respect.
Can't we take pride in something we do while giving God the glory for giving us the ability to do it?
Ego, on the other hand, seems to rise up the most against the Spirit as we try to deny the flesh. I see ego as the main enemy.
Either way...the more we sit in His presence..the more we will decrease and He will increase. (Jn 3:30)
The following if from "The Imitation of Christ'..a friend sent it to me today. I thought it kinda says it all. Esp. the end of Gingers about being a christian and life not ending at the cross. It is also a comfort.
THE DISCIPLE
Lord Jesus, as You have said, so be it, and what You have promised, let it be my lot to win. I have received the cross, from Your hand I have received it. I will carry it, carry it even unto death as You have laid it upon me. Truly, the life of a good religious man is a cross, but it leads to paradise. We have begun -- we may not go back, nor may we leave off.
Take courage, brethren, let us go forward together and Jesus will be with us. For Jesus' sake we have taken this cross. For Jesus' sake let us persevere with it. He will be our help as He is also our leader and guide. Behold, our King goes before us and will fight for us. Let us follow like men. Let no man fear any terrors. Let us be prepared to meet death valiantly in battle. Let us not suffer our glory to be blemished by fleeing from the Cross.
Yes, we need to sit in His presence and pray the Word.
(See, I'm learning!)
Lord you love me, but you hate pride and arrogance.(Prov. 8:13)
Bring down my high fortified walls (pride) and lay them low to the ground to the very dust.(Isa. 25:12) Amen
Amen.
Pride to me is wanting to be better, smarter, prettier, popular than those around me.It is wanting others to be impressed with what I precieve to have and not see all that I lack. Is this insecurity or ego? I think in my case it is wanting the most attention. Why can't I just enjoy others more and no always be thinking of my next words? I am not so prideful that I won't listen to the knowledge others posses.
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