September 22, 2023 | Martin Luther – Day 32
“God could not bear pride in heaven and in Paradise, but in hell. If you want to go there, then continue to be proud.”
Martin Luther
Luther considered pride the mother sin of man, yet, it seems that man considers it essential. Despite God’s warnings, few take heed, some out of disbelief and some because they have redefined pride to fit into their religion.
God gives fair warning:
Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
These, among many other warnings found in Scripture, paint a dire picture for the one caught up in their pride. So, why is pride so destructive?
Pride, in the context that God speaks of in these verses, is more than the feeling you get for accomplishing something great. Pride, in some things, is good when it recognizes and glorifies the power behind it, namely God. Pride becomes destructive in arrogance, when one only has pride in themselves apart from God.
Pride prevents us from recognizing the sin of thinking of ourselves as gods. It justifies self-centeredness at the cost of humility. It is destructive because its only fuel is conceit, and its only goal is self-gratification.
“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor” (Proverbs 29:23). God, instead, asks us always to act in humility, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6), because humility thinks of the other first. It understands that, even after our greatest accomplishments, there are others who should be praised. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).
Humility doesn’t mean weakness, in fact, it takes great strength at times. Humility comes from an unselfish heart. It takes on the servant attitude and it bears the mark of Christ, who in humility gave His life so that we could be free.
Today, swallow what pride you have that has forbidden you from doing what you know you should. Give honor to God in your humility.
Our Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive my prideful heart and help me to replace it with a heart ready to admit my mistakes and put behind me the pride that has only served to separate myself from you. Amen.
