From ancient civilization when man was sent out of the Garden of Eden, man has struggled with the temptation of pride; this started in heaven with Satan (the father of pride)-Isaiah 14: 12-15. Pride is the first sin committed in the Universe when Satan was lifted up in pride because he wanted the worship that belongs to God. From then slaves, great men, wise men, young and old has been snare by the spirit of pride and have paid the consequences of their actions.
What is Pride?
Pride is inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one’s superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments etc. These persons will exalt themselves and at the same time belittle others or magnifying themselves at the expense of their neighbors or others they meet.
Pride is seen as an abomination to the Lord-Proverbs 16: 4; goeth before destruction- Proverbs 16: 18 etc.
Pride though similar to arrogant, is different. An arrogant person is one who has a sense of superiority and self-importance. They believe that they are more important than others. The bible said that an arrogant person God will not suffer or endure-Ps 101: 5
Consequences of Pride
The Word of God says that “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall”- Proverbs 16: 18. It was because of pride King Nebuchadnezzar was made to behave like an animal. The bible let us know that when the Lord had blessed King Nebuchadnezzar, who was the king of Babylon at the time, with great riches, fame, power and the most powerful kingdom at the time; he was lifted up with pride and failed to give God the glory and for this he was cast down and behaved like an animal-Daniel 4: 30-32
None of us are exempted from having a proud spirit as many times when the Lord has blessed us with a good job, intellect, riches, nice house and family we start to be lifted up in pride and many times starts to belittle those that do not have some of the things that we have, not remembering that the same God that blesses you can also bless them with greater riches and fame. Although King Nebuchadnezzar was not a servant of God, he failed to understand that everything he had was given to him by God.
Pride has caused great men in the Bible to lose possessions, their life, kingdom to fall and to lose what God had in store for them; for example, Ahithophel (2Sa 17:23), Naaman, refusing to wash in the Jordan River (2Ki 5:11-13) Hezekiah, in displaying his resources (2Ki 20:13; 2Ch 32:31; Isa 39:2), Uzziah (2Ch 26:16-19), Haman (Es 3:5; 5:11,13; 6:6; 7:10), Kings of Tyre (Eze 28:2), Nebuchadnezza (Da 4:30-34; 5:20). If we should allow pride to creep into our spirit and to take control of our life, then we too will be brought low or destroy.
[tweetthis] Pride is one of the most dangerous weapon the enemy use to destroy humanity[/tweetthis]
If we should allow pride to attach itself unto us, God will not work through us as he resist the proud but will draw nigh unto them that are humble. The more God lifts you up, the more you should humble yourself as he did not have to choose you to bless you the way he has, whether it be spiritual gifts, ministry, fame or riches; God is the one that gave it to you for his glory, not yours.
It is easy for us to be lifted up with pride when we have position, power, money and fame, especially when we are being praise by others. We should always remember that God was the one who gave us everything we have whether it may material wealth, intellect, family, ministry, or spiritual gifts and can take it from and give it to another when he chooses. Like he did with Nebuchadnezzar, he will destroy and humble you because he is God and his glory he will not share with another (Isaiah 42:8). Anything that you put before God whether it is yourself, your job, money, position etc automatically becomes your god, and no flesh shall glory in his presence (1 Corinthians 1: 29).
Many of us allows the deceitfulness of riches to pierce our heart with many sorrows, however you now have a choice and an opportunity not to let this happen to you. There is two very famous proverbs that say that the higher you go, the harder you will fall; and the higher the monkey climb, the more he is expose.
Guard your mind daily by putting on the whole armor of God and as soon as any speck of pride creeps in, GET RID OF IT immediately because “…a little leaven (yeast) leaveneth the whole lump”-1 Corinthians 5:6. Each day turn the search light on yourself, a little pride is not worth you going to hell for. Give God the praise and glory for everything you do and have as it is him that gave you the power to have wealth, material things, a good education and family.
My final words to you are:
“Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God…..Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein…..and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of” the place you were; ”And thou say in thine heart, my power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth (power, position, ministry, works of the gift etc). But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant… And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other gods (eg money, power, property), and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.”- Deuteronomy 8:11-14,17-19
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