Pride | A Satisfied Spirit

What are you thinking about?

These are some of my favorite words of the Bible. Actually, Philippians 4:4-8 give me support for almost everything. I say it that way because there are other verses that apply, too.

Living in this time is tough. It’s easy to let our minds wander to the madness of this world. The evil one wants us to do that. He wants us to think about anything that takes our minds off God and the good things of life. We can not allow him to do that.

Recognizing our disobedience is the first step. Any of our actions or attitudes that cause us to think we know better than He does separates us from Him. Sin, unforgiveness, disobedience, lack of faith, pride, ignoring His Word, other gods… Each of these takes our thoughts captive and away from what He wants.

Overcoming our negative, hurtful, judgmental, thoughts is a necessary part of becoming the people He wants us to be. We can do that by refocusing our thoughts on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, praiseworthy, and good.

Abba, Father, guide and guard our thoughts. Open our hearts, minds, and souls to You and Your Word. Keeps us constantly aware of Your Presence.

If we don’t humble ourselves God will!

First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. (Proverbs 16:18) King Nebuchadnezzar was certainly the picture of what will happen if we decide we’re better than God. He had a God statue erected (of himself?) and proclaimed all the people would worship it. Three refused and he had them thrown into a flaming hot furnace. God intervened. King Neb repented when he saw what God could do. That didn’t stop his pride though. He threw a party and used the gold and jewel-encrusted goblets he had stolen from the Temple to drink from. That night he was murdered.

Like us, King Neb knew God alone is worthy of our praise, honor, and glory. He knew that God will humble those who are full of pride. Yet, he persisted. When God wrote the words on the wall during the celebration he was saying – That’s the last straw, King Neb. You crossed the line. Your pride has caused your downfall. It’s finished. Nebuchadnezzar was killed that night. (Daniel 5:30)

Pride causes us to find fault, it gives us an unforgiving mind, we become defensive and self-serving. Life becomes the pursuit of me.

I don’t want that for myself. More than anything I want God to be the total center of my life. I want to worship, honor, and obey with all my heart, mind, and soul! How about you?

Abba, Father, forgive my need to make this life all about me. Humble me and guide me in focusing on You and Your Word!

For the whole story read the first 5 chapters of the Book of Daniel.