"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23, 24)
Pride is the most dangerous of sins, because it is blind to itself. It is a bold affront to God, and we're all guilty of it; yet, it is so subtle that we rarely detect it or confess it. We may ask forgiveness for many things we say and do, but rarely for the pride behind those things.
Pride plans, acts, and thinks independently of the Lord. Pride distorts our self-concept, props us up, puffs us up, and makes us believe things about ourselves and others that are not true. It makes us consider ourselves first and last, it takes and demands more credit than it deserves, it thinks and talks about itself more than it should, and prideful people do not respond to correction very well. Now, I'm sure each of us can point to someone who fits this description. The proof that we are prideful is we did not point to ourselves.
Remember, we are born again into a life that follows our Lord's example of humility, love, service, and sacrifice. That is where our pride dies, and Christ comes alive in us — and that is what it means to walk in the "way everlasting." Search us and lead us in the way, Lord. Amen.
Let's Pray - Lord, forgive me for the sin of pride. I am guilty of thinking more of myself and less of others. Please help me to walk in the humility and spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Amen. Yep, it is quite sneaky. I do not like it when I see that spirit in me. Hate it. Glad we don't have to be under the bondage of the spirit of pride. God will and God has delivered us from it's hold on us. Again, He is Holy.
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