Bible Reading: Psalm 10:1-8 KJV
- Psalm 10:4 KJV
Pride is a destructive force that can separate us from God and hinder our spiritual growth. As we explore the impact of pride on our relationship with God, let us turn to the wisdom of the Holy Scriptures for guidance and insight.
As our key verse points out, when we are consumed by pride, we are so filled with ourselves so that there is no room for thoughts of God. We then become resistant to God's correction and instruction. Pride whispers lies of self-sufficiency, veiling our need for instruction and guidance.
Pride, in its essence, is the elevation of self above all else, including God. We may believe that we already know everything that we need to know, or that we are smarter than those who attempt to teach us. This mindset is dangerous, as it hinders our spiritual growth and separates us from God's loving guidance.
It is important to remember that God hates pride as stated in Proverbs 8:13 KJV, "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate." Once we are filled with pride, things get much worse as since “God resisteth the proud” (James 4:6a KJV). At this point, our pride has not only alienated those around us, but has now put us in direct opposition to God.
When we allow pride to dominate our lives, we are essentially saying that we do not need God’s guidance, wisdom, or forgiveness. We become self-sufficient and independent, thinking that we can achieve our goals and overcome our struggles on our own. This is a recipe for disaster, as we are not equipped to handle the challenges of life without God’s help.
As we reflect on the teachings of the Bible, let us remember the dangers of pride. By recognizing our weaknesses and limitations, we can become teachable, receptive to God's instruction, and open to the transformative power of His word.
