The Peril of Pride

Through the LORD is supreme, he takes care of those who are humble, 

but he stays away from the proud. 

Psalm 138:6

          In the ancient Middle East, there were many myths about powerful monsters and primeval sea creatures. One Canaanite legend told of a sea monster named Rahab who fought against God's creation of the universe. The word rehab is Hebrew for both "acting stormily" and "arrogance." In the same way that the sea creature refused to believe God's power could be greater than its own, arrogant people believe they can succeed in life solely by their own strength.

          The bases for human pride are as much a myth as that sea creature. Physical abilities, IQ, talents, and accomplishments are all God's gifts. You can add effort to what God has given you, but the basic building blocks are all courtesy of him.

         Basing your life on a myth is bad enough. However, the most destructive thing about pride is that it acts like a God-repellent and pushes God away form the center of your life. As God keeps his distance from the proud, his gifts of guidance, wisdom, and comfort move out of reach. While God notices pride right away, you may be unaware of its presence. Ask a close friend if he or she sees evidence of pride in your life. Ask God to help you become more aware of your true motives, and then battle pride with the truth of who God is. The more you come to know and understand him, the more accurate a picture you'll have of yourself - and the more humility will replace pride in your life.

         Whenever you feel pride raise its arrogant head in your life, picture the sea monster, Rahab, battling - and losing to - God's supremacy.

         Pray for humility, that your relationship with God may be without barriers created by pride. Thank God for the gifts and talents he has granted you and ask for wisdom upon how to add efforts to those gifts to glorify him. ~ MME Team