The Essence of All Sin

I'm taking a little time over the next few days to meditate on the issue of pride versus humility. Self love / pride has long been a struggle in my life but has recently become more evident to me. I'm not sure if I've been more arrogant or if God is graciously making me more aware of my pride. It doesn't really matter.

The catalyst for my thinking is a book by C. J. Mahaney called "Humility, True Greatness". Here are some thoughts from the second chapter - "The Peril Of Pride".

Pride and inadequacy can coexist...

I've often wondered how I can find myself so proud when I feel so inadequate. I don't mean simply not as gifted or talented but also in the middle of sin. I used to think that my life was characterized by lust OR pride. I've come to learn that even in my darkest hours of sin pride can still be right there with me. It seems crazy doesn't it? It's a reminder that self love doesn't really make sense at all. It is beyond logic. I had a pastor that used to say that sin short circuits the brain. That's absolutely true with pride.

Do I hate pride the way God hates pride?

God actively opposes the proud. He detests the one with haughty eyes. He says he hates pride and arrogance. I'm not sure I hate my pride the way God does. I must. Here's what Jonathan Edwards says...

"What a foolish, silly, miserable, blind, deceived, poor worm am I when pride works."

Why does God take pride so seriously? Mahaney says that pride is contending against God for supremacy. That puts pride in a whole different light doesn't it? Do I really want to compete with God to receive the glory that is reserved for God and God alone?

Isa 42:8

8 "I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to another
or my praise to idols.

Today I'm asking God to give me incredible sensitivity to pride in my life. As soon as it raises it's ugly head I want see it and deal with it.

Today, may we be people who wage war against prideful thoughts and words...