God has much to say about pride and the proud…beware, be warned…for God does not put up with pride – in anyone.
Where does pride begin? It begins in our hearts, the deepest part of our thinking and being. How subtle pride takes hold on our thinking…O Lord, search me and know my heart, try me and know my ways…please show me where I have pride that I may confess it and be forgiven.
Mary’s Magnificat (she was magnifying the Lord God through this beautiful “˜song’) is all about God and her dependence on Him.
(NASB) Luke 1:51-52 “…He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble.”
Remember: God deals with pride and the proud…they think of themselves more highly than they ought. Pride hurts others and the prideful are separated from God.
What keeps us from God? Pride!
Pride cannot stand before God.
Pride will not bow the knee nor give credit to anyone but to self.
Pride cannot stand to put God first.
(NASB) Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before stumbling.”
(NASB) Proverbs 16:25 “There is a way which seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.”
Pride in our own strength will ultimately defeat us. We need the strength of God.
Pride in another person, in a position, in wealth, or in power, will ultimately come to nothing…We need the strength of God.
Humility can and will stand before God because that is dependence on Him alone.
(NASB) Psalm 37:39-40 “But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
He is their strength in time of trouble,
40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
He delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
Because they take refuge in Him.”
Mary trusted in God her Savior. She knew that her salvation came from Him alone. She knew that her strength wasn’t enough, it had to be God’s strength in her life.
What is keeping you back from following the Lord? Is it pride?
Honesty can hurt…but the rewards are being right with God…
