Another way of asking the same question is: Am I pompous? Am I selectively obedient to God and his will? Answers to these questions are crucial to whether you are proud or humble.
Pride was the first sin to destroy. The devil is the originator of pride and it all started with self- exaltation. He suffered from the ‘I’ syndrome. Pride brought down instead of the archangel Lucifer that he was. The devil, therefore he is the foundation of pride, the inspirer of earthly pomp and power. The proud person is easily offended, contentious, haughty and pompous. Boastful in speech and high minded.
There are many forms of pride patterned along the object of excellence, admiration or love. To some people it might be:
PRIDE OF ACHIEVEMENT AND ABILITY
Many are willing to risk their life and limb if by winning their objective, they become well known. Their excellence is not received in humility. God will not give his glory to another. Success is withheld from many for the simple reason that God knows such would not be able to carry it humbly and graciously.
PRIDE OF SPIRITUAL PROWESS
No matter how eminently gifted a believer may be, he has no right to pride himself upon his abilities, for all he has is of grace. Apart from Christ, we are nothing and can do nothing. Too often preachers parades themselves, their knowledge or their gift. Many gifted labourer in the vineyard of the Lord ruin themselves by conceit. This is why power without purity kills its possessors. We would rather have no power as to heal a headache while we remain humble than to have- power like Samson and live in disobedience to his counsels.
PRIDE OF POSITION- This abuse of God’s given power is eminent amidst believers. Leaders in fellowship, leaders in their own sphere, use the position as onto God. If God permits us to come to eminence in any sphere, we should carry the fame with humility because promotion comes from God. He lifts up one and puts down another. Don’t allow subordinates to rejoice at your absence. You roar like lion and put the whole world in your hands like all depends on you. Count it a privilege to be there so use it to the glory of God.
PRIDE OF PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
those possessing a beautiful face and form are usually proud of their physical attractiveness, forgetting that beauty is only skin deep. When you are too conscious of your external beauty, your inner beauty fades. The body or physical appearance that is making you weird can be destroyed at any time.
We need to wage a fierce war against pride. Pride starts from the thoughts of your heart. We should watch our thoughts, especially as it concerns how we regard ourselves. We should give preferences to others. Present yourself daily to God for crucifixion. Crucify the world in your life. Recognise and acknowledge the presence of God always and in all things watch and pray that you enter not into the sin of pride again.
Shalom!
Wunmi Oyesanya
info@mzjewel.com
