"Pride, Pride, Pride"

Pride is one of those sins that gets overlooked by Christians. But we can not overlook something that the scriptures are so strongly against. In today’s blog I want to point out how God feels about pride. Throughout Scripture we are told about the consequences of pride. Proverbs 16:18–19 says “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud”.

Pride is giving ourselves the credit for something that God has accomplished. It’s important to know that anything we accomplished would not have been possible had it not been for God enabling us to do it. Pride normally says look at me and not God. Psalm 10:4 “In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God”. Pride has no room for God only self-glorification.

Pride separates us from our Father; let’s remember Satan was cast out of heaven because of pride. (Check Out Isaiah 14:12–15). Pride is something I try my best to be aware of. There are times when I have to rebuke myself for thinking I have done things on my own. Unfortunately I am not alone in this battle against pride, many Christian have some form of pride and don't know it. My hope is that you become aware of the areas where you have taking the credit for what only God can do.

Pride is a false reality that makes us think we are good people, and because we are so good we deserve God to bless us. When the truth is God is not pleased with our lack of humility. Thomas Merton said Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.

There are four things I do to keep pride from entering my heart again.

1. I pray for forgiveness of the sin of Pride: This is something I must pray on a continual basis. I know some of you have this area under control but if you’re like me you have to ask everyday for forgiveness. (Pride is sneaky and constantly wants to creep in)

2. Say to yourself everyday “It’s not about me”: This is a great way to get the focus off of YOU. Unfortunately we live in a society that promotes us to think of ourselves and not others, we must fight against the plague of selfishness.

3. Memorize Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

4. Ask God for a spirit of Humility & Gratitude: This one is simple, pray that you are humble and grateful. The book of James has a great scripture on humility. James 4:6 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”

So as we closed today’s blog my hope is that we replace Pride with Humility. Gods loves every one of us the exact same. He doesn’t love me anymore then he loves the crack head on the corner. Its time for us to do away with our pride and watch how our relationship with God takes off.

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"God Isn’t Fair"

The title may seem a bit much, but unfortunately I have heard many people say this. The truth of the matter is God is NOT fair, and we should be so grateful that he isn’t. Fairness would mean that everyone got exactly as he or she deserved. I want you to think about some of the trifling things you have done in your life. Are you thinking? Now think what would happen if God gave you what you deserved?

If God were completely fair, we would all spend eternity in hell paying for our sin, which is exactly what we deserve. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and are therefore worthy of eternal death. Romans 6:23” For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Fairness would mean we would end up in the lake of fire according to Revelation 20.

So fortunately for us, God is not fair, instead He is merciful and good, so He sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross in our place, taking the punishment that we deserve. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” All we have to do is believe in Him (Jesus) and we will be saved, forgiven, and receive eternal life.

The only people that will receive the punishment they deserve are the people that don’t believe in who God sent, which is Christ Jesus. John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” So as you see those who believe are receiving far more, and much better, than what they deserve.

So the next time someone debates with you over whether or not God is fair, let them know that he is absolutely not fair. But he is gracious, merciful, and forgiving by sending his Son Jesus Christ and that is better then him being fair any day!

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