'Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.'
Proverbs 16:18 (NASB)
Dictionary.com defines pride as: a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
There is a difference in being proud of yourself for your hard work and who you've become. But even the fruits comes from God. There is nothing wrong with being proud your accomplishments. Pride, however, says, "I have done it all on my own." Pride, has a tendency to think too highly of one's own worth and importance. However, all things have been given to us by God for His purpose.
Pride comes in so many shapes and form. Today, I want to talk about jealousy as one of the many dangerous forms of pride. Because jealousy is not only a discontentment with what you have, but it is arrogance - I deserve to and capable of handling what others have. King Saul was a prideful man and it led to his own destruction. He was made to stand out from most people - the bible even said was at least a head taller among the crowd. He was a handsome fellow. And God made him king to lead Israel. When David, a young, rising captain of his army began to receive the admiration and respect of the people due to his successes in battles, Saul became jealous. Jealousy began to eat away at Saul's heart. He's made a foe out of a friend. His jealousy led him to committing sins against God's people - killing the Levitical priests in pursuit of David. Fortunately for him, the Lord protected David so Saul would not incur more sin on his shoulder. Saul life ended with his death on the battle field without his commander/friend to protect him because jealousy has pushed away the very person that could have protected him. The pride of comparison takes our eyes off of the gift God has given us for His purpose, and fix it on the gift that God has given someone else for His purpose. Pride takes our focus off of God, and makes it about us.
Here are the list I've made for myself that helped me to stay in focus of all the gifts that God has given:
- I have a home that I can call my own
- I have two cars that allows for me to go to work and my wife to care for the kids while she's at home.
- We are having another child and experiencing a season of healing and restoration.
- I have a job that puts food on the table
- I have a wife that loves me
- I have children that are excited when I come home
- I have a mother and sister who I enjoy spending time with
- I have loving and caring in-laws
- I have a few close friends
- I have a body of Christ that loves me
- I am surrounded supportive brothers and sisters
- My wife and I are in ministry together
- I live in America
- I have savings
- I am fairly healthy by most standard
- I have access to healthy food
- I have salvation through Jesus Christ
Pray: Father, when I look at all that I have I am reminder of the source of my blessings. Help me to abide in the Giver of these gifts. Jesus, I love you, too.
Proverbs 16:18 (NASB)
Dictionary.com defines pride as: a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
There is a difference in being proud of yourself for your hard work and who you've become. But even the fruits comes from God. There is nothing wrong with being proud your accomplishments. Pride, however, says, "I have done it all on my own." Pride, has a tendency to think too highly of one's own worth and importance. However, all things have been given to us by God for His purpose.
Pride comes in so many shapes and form. Today, I want to talk about jealousy as one of the many dangerous forms of pride. Because jealousy is not only a discontentment with what you have, but it is arrogance - I deserve to and capable of handling what others have. King Saul was a prideful man and it led to his own destruction. He was made to stand out from most people - the bible even said was at least a head taller among the crowd. He was a handsome fellow. And God made him king to lead Israel. When David, a young, rising captain of his army began to receive the admiration and respect of the people due to his successes in battles, Saul became jealous. Jealousy began to eat away at Saul's heart. He's made a foe out of a friend. His jealousy led him to committing sins against God's people - killing the Levitical priests in pursuit of David. Fortunately for him, the Lord protected David so Saul would not incur more sin on his shoulder. Saul life ended with his death on the battle field without his commander/friend to protect him because jealousy has pushed away the very person that could have protected him. The pride of comparison takes our eyes off of the gift God has given us for His purpose, and fix it on the gift that God has given someone else for His purpose. Pride takes our focus off of God, and makes it about us.
Here are the list I've made for myself that helped me to stay in focus of all the gifts that God has given:
- I have a home that I can call my own
- I have two cars that allows for me to go to work and my wife to care for the kids while she's at home.
- We are having another child and experiencing a season of healing and restoration.
- I have a job that puts food on the table
- I have a wife that loves me
- I have children that are excited when I come home
- I have a mother and sister who I enjoy spending time with
- I have loving and caring in-laws
- I have a few close friends
- I have a body of Christ that loves me
- I am surrounded supportive brothers and sisters
- My wife and I are in ministry together
- I live in America
- I have savings
- I am fairly healthy by most standard
- I have access to healthy food
- I have salvation through Jesus Christ
Pray: Father, when I look at all that I have I am reminder of the source of my blessings. Help me to abide in the Giver of these gifts. Jesus, I love you, too.
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