The Cost of Pride

In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord. In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

- Psalms 10:2-4, NIV

Anyone who seeks Christ must put aside pride. While that seems simple enough, far too many of us fail to realize the true impacts of their prideful ways - Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18, NIV). Pride places self before others, always wanting, always seeking, but never relenting or assisting. It is pride that allows the flesh to manifest and run amuck…when left unattended it arrogantly moves to its own calling. The fact that it is self serving is bad enough, but the real cost of pride is separation from God - The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished (Proverbs 16:5, NIV). Now life is pretty difficult as is, but even more so without God [“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NKJV)]…so why even risk going about it solo? So the next time that your flesh starts to rise and pride consumes you, think about your separation anxiety from the Lord…then allow His Spirit to facilitate love and humility in order to avoid a permanent fall - Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord (Psalms 16:19-20, NIV).

BE BLESSED!