SCRIPTURE READING
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn (a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; But the Lord said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in your weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I truly strong (able, powerful in divine strength).
PRIDE IS AN ENEMY WE MUST CONSTANTLY KEEP A HAND ON
Pride is an enemy. It stands on the fringes of our lives waiting to be given a platform. The Bible speaks very firmly on the issue of pride.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].
Pride promotes strife and conflict. Pride can often lead to poor or bad decisions. Pride is one of what we call ‘the seven deadly sins’. (wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony). Pride stops us from putting things right with people. Pride stops us from saying sorry. Pride stops you from acting rationally. It breaks up families and scatters them far and wide. Pride makes you think you are better than someone else. Pride stops people from accepting Jesus as their savior.
Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked does not seek God; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
Bury pride where it belongs – in the dirt.
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