Pride: The Monster Rooted In Our Hearts

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Earlier this week I spoke about two little words “If you” referencing the simple command God gives us. If we would only do this…or that… then God would pour out his blessings.

Today I want to focus on the stumbling block that seems to get in our way most often besides our flesh and fear. It’s a simple five-letter word: Pride.

When in combination with certain phrases, pride can have a positive outcome such as: “Having pride for one’s country.” or “Taking pride in your work.” However, in a nation that lives and breathes the life of entitlement, the term pride is finally revealing its true colors. Harmful. Destructive. Arrogant. Self-centered.

Pride has caused people to no longer believe that they have a need for God. Instead, they have either become their own “gods” or have created a “god” for themselves.

There is no question about it, poll any American who pays attention to their surroundings and you will find a common thread, a downward spiral of the heart of the American people.

Whether it’s the lack of a smile in small town America, the disinterest in the customer during the check-out process, or the teacher who is blamed for a student who cheated on a test, the shift into an absences of morality, diminished respect, and an inflation of pride is present.

Pride is a monster rooted all the way back to the Garden of Eden when man chose to believe the words of the serpent thinking that he could become like God.

“For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5)

By not trusting God, destruction entered into the world turning His creation away from their dependence upon Him.

As time passed, more people turned away from God.  It was their pride that drove their decision, but those who turned back to Him chose to humble their hearts, and God honored their decision.

Think of the multiple opportunities that we have been given if only we would chose to do the same.  If only we would humble ourselves before the King to allow him to rule in our hearts instead of our own selfish pride.

In what ways do you find it difficult to let go of your pride and humble yourself before the Lord?