A Day-by-day devotional

April 15, 2023

Pride

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Samuel 1-4

Scripture of the Day: Proverbs 18:12

When we consider how sin entered the world, we have to recall that a proud angel rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:14-17). This same angel took the form of a serpent and tempted Eve, who, together with Adam, took the bait and sinned (Ezekiel 28:13; Genesis 3).

The angel Lucifer rebelled against God due to his pride. The very same attitude he possesses was the seed he inculcated in the mind and heart of Adam and Eve. In telling Eve that eating the fruit of the forbidden tree would mean knowing good and evil, and be like God (Genesis 3:5), he presented to mankind a possibility of being equal to God, which he himself seeks to achieve. In doing so, he stirred in them the sin of pride.

Pride, which is an inordinate opinion of one’s own importance or superiority, in mind and action, is hated by God. It is the first among the list of things that God hates – haughty eyes (Proverbs 6:16-19). Haughty eyes means having eyes that look down on other people. Hence, those who possess it are proud.

Pride is a slippery slope. Considering that it has been the first of many sins to enter the world, pride is a deadly sin. Being the first, it leads to many other sins. True enough, as exemplified by what happened to Lucifer, who became Satan, and the fall of Adam and Eve, pride happens before destruction and fall (Proverbs 16:18-19).

It is not sin to take pride in one’s achievements. What is dangerous is not acknowledging God’s hand in them. When we become fully dependent on God, however, we know that whatever we achieve in this life, is through His grace. On the other hand, if we are dependent solely on our competencies, we declare ourselves as the source of our accomplishments. We remove God out of the equation and somehow declare ourselves to be God. We then tend to build altars for ourselves in our hearts, crushing the throne that only God should occupy in our lives.

Most of the time, pride is also the reason for unforgiveness and strife. Whenever we think of ourselves as higher than others, it would be difficult for us to humble ourselves and give way to another person. A prideful heart would always want to win, always want to have the final word, and always want to be considered correct. This puts many relationships at the brink of destruction.

Paul admonishes that we esteem others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). After all, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble (James 4:6).

Reflection: Have you checked the condition of your heart lately? How is your pride meter? Pride is a matter we often need to check.

Prayer: Lord, let me not boast of anything other than your mighty name! Your glorious deeds in my life tell of your splendor, not mine. Help me always keep my heart in check. And forgive me of my pride. Amen.