Thought of the Day #20: “No Room for Pride”

            I think most Christians would agree that there is no room for pride in any relationship, whether it’s in your relationship with God, your spouse, your children, co-workers, or your neighbors.  As Christians we know God is first but, what’s in our minds isn’t always in agreement with what’s in our hearts.  We know if God is really first or not, that is if we dare admit the truth.

            The definition of pride is “a haughty attitude shown by somebody who believes, often unjustifiably, that he or she is better than others.” (Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.)  How does God see pride?  The Bible is clear that pride is not alright with God.  “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.” Proverbs 8:13 (NASB) “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.” Proverbs 15:5 (NKJV)

            When pride is an issue then that means that you are first in all things, it is not Christ.  It means that everything you do is done with your pride, even how you serve the Lord.  As a follower of Christ there is no room for you at that first position in your life.  God is first.  The first four commandments state that God is first and they start with this statement from God, “I am God, your God” Exodus 20:1 (MSG).

            Pride is a heart issue.  “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)  “Jesus said, ‘‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.” Mathew 22:27-40 (MSG) “Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.” Romans 12:14-16 (MSG)  

            It is important, vitally important to line up our mind with our heart.  Know that God is first at all times in our minds.  Know that God is to also be first in our hearts.

Thank you for reading! Praying that you are all doing well! If you're a Facebook user I have a ministry page: www.Facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries  I also have a blog in Spanish! If you are someone you know would prefer reading these devotionals in Spanish please visit www.MinisterioReflejandolaVerdad.blogspot.com