Robbed By Pride

I TOOK A RIDE

upon my pride 

it started out real fun

I went fast

and had a blast

and waved at everyone

but down the hill

I took a spill

went spinning

into space

I hit a bump

and took a lump

got mud upon my face

whoooops!

~Melody Carlson

 We can all probably relate to Melody Carlson's poem. We all deal with pride.What exactly is pride? Here's a definition:

Pride:

1.

a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired

Well, that sounds very narcissistic. You might not realize this, but pride robs you from the true riches of life. Are you going to just sit there and let that happen? That's like leaving your front door open with your money piled on the couch! You'd never do that!

So, what do you need to do to get rid of pride? First off, you need to be able to recognize it.

Here's four characteristics that will help you determine if pride has a hold on your life:

A Proud Person....

-Is easily offended & hold grudges

-depends upon the world to tell them whether they have value or not. 

-does not receive correction or counsel easily

- has a bad affect on all relationships(ex. husband-wife, brother-sister, teacher-student)

All of us have been able to say at one time or another that one of the above statements describes us perfectly. The Bible says A LOT about pride. Let's take a look.

"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice."  Proverbs 13:10

So, this verse tell us that being prideful starts fights. Who wants to fight? Most of us don't enjoy it very much when people criticize us, even if it's done in love. We immediately get offended. It is important to learn to be open to people's opinions. Even if we don't agree with that person, we need to listen to all sides and point of views in every situation. That is the WISE action to take. If you're too prideful to take the advice of others, you have a hardened heart. You won't make it far in any area if you don't learn to work with others. A big part of working with others is taking in their advice, comments, and criticism.

His pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God.

2 Chronicles 26:16

It clearly says what will happen when you choose pride. It WILL lead to your downfall. Why would you willingly choose to entertain something that will only send you plummeting into a dark abyss? 

 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 

When you notice someone around you who is prideful, what do you think of them? Of course, we shouldn't judge, but let's be honest, we usually have a strong distaste for that person's behavior. Our desire to be around them is pretty low. I wouldn't  want to display a characteristic that I dislike in other people. That's just common sense. Think about that. This is the second verse that we've looked at that talks about wisdom. When you deny pride the right to take reign of you, a spirit of humility is what surfaces. Humility, or being humble, means that you have a modest or low view of your importance. When we truly desire what God desires we will become selfless. Humility comes from being selfless. Humility opens the door for wisdom. When you choose pride you ARE being robbed from the blessings God has for you. Strive to be Humble. That is a trait that is highly admired.

 Your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God. 

Deuteronomy 8:14 

WOAH! That is a BIG cost for choosing pride. "You will forget the Lord..." That is a serious matter. This is the greatest way that pride takes away from your life. We need to guard our hearts. God doesn't want part of our heart. He wants it all! Every last piece. If you let pride slip into your heart, God will slowly be pushed from your heart, and then your mind. Your heart will start to harden because of your pride. You will become stubborn & ignorant to things of God. 

DON'T LET PRIDE ROB YOUR LIFE!

CHOOSE A LIFE OF HUMILITY!

We've looked at the signs of pride. We've analyzed the scriptures, so we know what the Bible says about pride. Take what you have read and apply it. If you don't apply it, then no change will occur. You have to make it happen, but not on your own. If you struggle with pride, ask God to give you grace, patience, humility, and the wisdom to eliminate pride from your life. 

YOU CAN DO IT!

Love,   Jessie

P.S. If you need extra help

 ask a friend, pastor, 

or family member to 

pray for you and help 

remind you to be humble.

When you have someone

holding you accountable

to the change your trying

to make, it gives you more

responsibility.