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We all aspire to be and do our best and to be recognized for it. It is a
normal function of our self-esteem. We all want to be loved and recognized for
our efforts. But the motivation of those efforts should not be self-pride, but
a desire to serve with unconditional love.
While the world promotes pride in workmanship and pride in success, God’s
Word promotes humbleness and meekness in our efforts to benefit the Body of
Christ. God’s Word speaks pointedly on the difference between pride and
humbleness.
Let’s first look at what God’s Word says about pride:
“ For all that is in the world, the lust of the
flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the
Father, but is of the world.” (I John 2:16).
“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after
God: God is not in all his thoughts.” (Psalm 10:4).
Now lets see how God contrasts pride with humbleness and lowliness:
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is
wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the
humble in spirit.” (Proverbs 29:23).
God’s Word is very clear on how sons of God should walk and conduct
themselves.
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy
of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness,
with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” (Ephesians 4:1 &
2).
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel
against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
[Colossians 3:12 &13]
As we learn and grow in God’s Word, we see pride as a characteristic of
the old man and not of the new man in Christ. In God’s eyes, humbleness
always wins out over pride. Let’s put off pride and put on humbleness as we
live with each other in the family of God.
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