Pride Goes Before the Fall

I had a great conversation with a friend the other day about those times when we feel like "we got this," when we believe in ourselves and stop relying on God. This is led by pride, the first sin.

Pride tells us we can do whatever we want. We become enamored with ourselves. It gives us the sense that we don't need anyone anymore. "We got this."

We couldn't be any more wrong. We ain't got nothing. God does.

Think about a time when you were in such a terrible situation that you begged God for His grace. You'd do anything to not be in the place you were. I think of the drunk whose life is crumbling, losing everything, on his knees begging for God's grace because he can't do it anymore. Then, once time passes and the seas calm, he goes right back to the very behavior he so desperately wanted relief from. Back to relying on himself. That's pride.

This is why Jesus said in Matthew 23, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." If you believe in yourself, you've already exalted yourself. You're operating in pride. And pride comes before destruction.

The world says, "Believe in yourself, you can do anything." But there's a difference between using the abilities God gave you and making yourself your own god. One is stewardship. The other is pride.

If you want your life to be saved, believe in Jesus. If you want to ruin your life, believe in yourself. Where are you placing your belief?

I've said this many times: I know what my life looks like when I'm in control, and it's not pretty.

I think I'm going to keep letting God direct this show. I'm not cut out for it. You?

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"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

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Proverbs 16:18

Be Nice. Grace Wins.

FMJ