PRIDE
Pride promotes strife, and envy (among other things) and is of the world. Pride will harden hearts, and make way to selfishness. Pride will cloud the recesses of the mind where logic and wisdom have been shut out. Thus, the decisions of one operating in such an ugly spirit, will indeed become a fool in the sight of God. For the pride of heart deceives the mind/soul. But, the humble of heart have a sound mind.
Jesus said:
20. And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22. thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” ~ Mark 7:20-23
Pride promotes strife and envy. And that’s where wars and fights come from. The world thrives in wars and fights. Every day it’s confirmed in the news reports.
Pride will cause a person to fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. And being puffed up with pride they fall into the same condemnation of the devil. (see, 1 Timothy 3:5-7)
Many a kingdom has fallen due to pride. As well as many nations, peoples, and families. Pride destroys.
The FIRST of seven things that God hates is pride. (see, Proverbs 6:16-19)
Pride is what brought the devil down! Pride is where he operates in all that is evil. Pride hardens hearts, clouds minds and souls. Pride will keep a person from being a peacemaker and will promote strife instead. Pride loves the ways of the world, and hates what is good.
A proud look is disgusting! It’s a look of one who is their own god, and will not submit to the way of God. It’s not surprising that God hates pride so much.
~ Thank God, we’re not of the world! ~
A message to the church: Let not pride be named among you. Strivings, jealously, envies are all devices of the devil. Submitting to pride is evil and goes before a fall. Be mindful, and guard your hearts with all your might!
Brothers and sisters in Christ, build each other up and hold fast to the Truth! Let the fruit of the Holy Spirit operate in your lives, to the sanctifying of your souls. Be a peacemaker and be found as one who makes peace and builds relationships. Encourage one another, and let love be your foundation. Build yourself up in Christ, and keep your eyes on HIM. The Lord is your strength. You can do all things through Christ!
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13
May the peace of GOD rule in your hearts!
In the Name of Jesus. Amen.