June 30th

9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men–extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14

Pride is one of the most dangerous types of sin to fall victim to. It can function in a variety of forms, ranging from stubbornness to claiming to be equal to God. Jesus was touching on the issue of spiritual pride in the above parable. The danger of pride is that it causes God to turn away from us (James 4:6), leaving us open to the enemy’s attacks.

Pride is the sin that brought Satan’s downfall. As originally created, Satan was called “Lucifer” and was an angel who served at God’s throne. He was a “guardian” cherub. Lucifer decided that he could be equal with God (Ezekiel 28:14-17) and was cast out of Heaven as a result, becoming Satan (means adversary).

We can use Satan’s example as a warning to steer clear of pride. Though we may not consider ourselves equal with God, we may find ourselves thinking we’re better than other Christians or the “really bad sinners” in the world. Thieves, prostitutes, adulterers, murderers, homosexuals, fornicators and the liars are just a few of the notable sinners identified in the scriptures. Though their specific sins may carry greater earthly consequences, their sin is equally detestable to God as pride or any others that we have allowed in our lives.

In sex addiction, pride is often the motivator that keeps people from breaking secrecy concerning their struggle. They don’t want anyone to think less of them and/or they don’t want to shatter their good reputation within the church. By keeping their sin secret, they give fear power over them and block God’s blessing and healing from entering their lives.

The scripture gives us the solution to dealing with pride: put on humility. There are a few basic ways to do this, which include:

If you struggle with pride, ask God to convict you of a prideful attitude every time it rears its head. God will answer your prayer. In our journey to freedom, we can’t afford to be alienated from God by pride. (see our Pride Page for further study)

Questions for further thought:
How is “selfish ambition” related to the “boastful pride of life”? (Philippians 2:2-4, 1 John 2:15-17)
How can “spiritual pride” block repentance? (Hebrews 3:13)
How is unforgiveness a form of spiritual pride?

Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, Please forgive me for any pride that I have harbored in my life. Please lead me by the Holy Spirit in putting on humility each day. Please help me to be real with the people in my life and not give place to any hypocrisy. Thank you, Father! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

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