Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. ~ Proverbs 16.18
This past weekend Pastor Brad Gray, by contrasting Samson and Jesus, reminded us that pride goes before a fall. While Samson was full of pride and refused to bow a knee to anyone, Jesus is the epitome of humility. Jesus was so in the habit of serving others he had “scuffed knees.”
Our pride can make us feel very stable and stout, especially in those areas of our life where we think we can handle everything by ourselves. Ultimately this pride makes us feel so strong and tough we believe nothing can get to us and we deserve everything we have. Eventually, it comes crashing down like a toy block tower built too high.
This week, we need to remind ourselves of the devastating consequences of a prideful spirit. Pride can come upon us in an instant as we start to think we’re really something. If we let it, it’ll take up residence in our hearts. We must learn to shift the focus from ourselves to others.
As you begin your week, write Proverbs 16.18 on a small card or piece of paper. Carry the verse in your purse, wallet, pocket, or phone case and look at it when you are tempted by an inflated view of yourself.
