The Spirit of Pride Sets Up a Fall

'Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.' Proverbs 16:18

Out of the multitude of concerns we are experiencing as a nation perhaps none are more destructive than pride. Pride comes before destruction and pride keeps us living in the rubble of our own self made ruin. God hates the spirit of pride, because it is the spirit of pride that kills, steals and destroys our desire and ability to obey God’s word and follow Him. Pride is the turning away from God to seek satisfaction (and perhaps glory) in or for self.

The spirit of pride says it’s not me, it’s them as it lures us into self- deception, blinding us to our own lack and need. Do we see ourselves as God sees us or do we hold ourselves a little too high? Do we see others as God sees them or maybe push them just a little too low? Both our view of self and others must be aligned with God’s view.

The spirit of pride is alive and well and is the root of most problems with God, at home, at church and in our nation. It originates in self - righteousness, making one wise in their own eyes, slowly growing into a root of bitterness as it forces everyone in its reach to meet its own man-made standard.

A spirit of pride bows down to:

• Greed when self feels lack
• Envy when self feels someone else has received the honor it deserves
• Anger when self is offended
• Revenge when self is wronged
• Criticism when self’s esteem is challenged
• Hate when self doesn’t get what it feels it deserves

The spirit of pride:

• Opposes love and promotes self - interest
• Is easily offended and robs joy
• Steals peace with self and others and stirs up dissension
• Is abrasive and rude and destroys gentleness and kindness
• Is unforgiving and touts “I don’t have to put up with this”
• Is deaf to correction and sure of itself
• Is impatient with others lacking humility and a desire to learn
• Seeks to control others but will not limit self

The spirit of pride is:

• Good to self
• Protective of self
• Faithful to self
• Sure of self

How do we rebuild brokenness in our relationship with God, in our relationships with others, in the body of Christ and in our nation?

One confession at a time.

Father, help us to humble ourselves and turn our heart back to you. Help us to build up not to tear down, to lean in and to learn and to imitate Jesus in humility and love. Give us eyes to see our own need for you and a desire for correction. Let change begin with me. We pray in Jesus name.