In part 1 of this teaching we learnt that there are 2 ways open for all human-kind on Earth: the Narrow and Broad way, the Righteous way and Sinful way. We also learnt that there are 2 classes of human-kinds: the thankful and the proud. The thankful are those walking on the narrow and righteous way while the proud are those walking on the broad and sinful path.
In continuation of this teaching, we are going to look at the prime sources of pride. What kinds of pride are there? This is necessary so that we will be able to detect early and know when pride is creeping into our lives and know what to do before it takes root. Pride is better taken care of when it is germinating and budding in our lives than when it is deep-rooted and has become a full-grown tree.
Pride comes into our heart in a discreet and subtle manner. In most cases, we are not usually aware that it is in there until it leads to a great fall. Pride can be traced to all kinds of things but the “I” nature is still the hub of it. The self-nature is full of “I am this, I am that”, “I am kind but I am being mistrusted by everyone around me”, “I am not getting what I deserve”, “I am good”, etc.
People are becoming more and more offensive or more and more defensive in their actions and attitudes because the “I” nature is craving for attention and we are elevating it above all moral values. In the process, people are hurting and offending each other without counting. God’s words and mankind are at a cross-road because of the self-nature, which is selfish and self centred. The longings of the self-nature have been put far above the perimeter fence of God’s command.
But the bible forewarns us in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (NJKV). When you are parading and throwing your weight around about your ego and knowledge, the scripture has a word of caution for you, it says in 1 Corinthians 8:2, “And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know” (NJKV). Live a life of humility which is a life of showing appreciation to God.
Again, the bible warned and questioned in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (NKJV)” Beloved shouldn’t what you have make you humble and thankful instead of puffing up? Shouldn’t you be grateful and thankful to God for giving you the privilege to own a bit more wealth and material possessions than ascribing glory to your cleverness, smartness and intelligence?
Instead of treating others who are less disposed to the opportunity God has given you with disdain and contempt, shouldn’t you use this opportunity to empower them? Instead of turning into a slave master and lord, shouldn’t you use your position to serve God and humanity? Why are your relegating God to the background because of the strings of achievements and successes He allowed and empowered you to achieve? Why are you listening to that voice that is telling you that there is no God and that all you have today is by your effort and hardworking alone? Beloved, listen to this now! It is God who gives us all things, including life. The bible stated it in Acts 17:25 this way, “... He gives to all life, breath, and all things (NJKV).” Why are you choosing to be proud instead of being thankful to God for all His goodness? Remember Pride is categorised in the scripture as one major sins that defiles a man and therefore makes him unfit for the kingdom of Heaven (Mark 7:22).
Our next post will look at the different types of pride we must be aware of.
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