By Mike Chaffin
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
There is a big reason pride is the third deadly sin. It blocks our thoughts of God and leads to our destruction. The psalmist wrote,
In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. Psalm 10:4
Pride makes us think more of ourselves than we should. We think we’re all there is, and not about God’s will or ways. When this happens pride is a sin that brings God’s wrath. Pride will cause us to fail in our relationship with God and remove our blessing. If we are God’s child, it will lead to harsh pruning and discipline,
I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. Leviticus 26:19
While we may look at this discipline and pruning as harsh, it is better to repent of the sin of pride and enjoy God’s providence instead of His rod of correction. We must understand the wisdom of God,
By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom. Proverbs 13:10
Pride has its place, like pride in our work, our family, and our friendships. This pride isn’t rooted in haughtiness and self-proclamation, but in satisfaction and love. When we stand proud, arrogance takes over and leads to other sins,
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16
Pride is a sin grounded in worldliness and not Godliness. Its most dangerous aspect keeps us from asking God for forgiveness, from praying and communicating with Him, and asking for His guidance and direction. When we stop doing these three things, we have stopped living for Christ. Pride is at the top of the slippery slope into the mire and filth of this world.
Prayer: Lord, reveal to me pride in my life. Help me to seek you, your guidance, and your will in my life and not to think too highly of myself. In Jesus’ name, amen.
