Pride is the worst viper that is in the heart. It is the first sin that ever entered the universe. It is secret, deceitful and unsearchable in its ways of working, utilizing lust and anything else at its disposal. It is ready to mix with everything in our lives. Nothing is so hateful to God, and contrary to the spirit of the Gospel, or has such dangerous consequences as pride. There is no one sin that does so much to let the devil into the hearts of the saints—exposing them to his delusions.
Spiritual pride is like a cancer in the body of Christ (the church), having a certain self-confident boldness before God and men. Spiritual pride takes offence easily, and put on pretenses as desiring to be accounted better than others. Spiritual pride ministers in a harsh spirit. It is quick with judgment of another’s opinion, conduct, advice, coldness, silence, caution, moderation, prudence, etc.—saying that they are from the devil or from hell.
Spiritual pride makes a person hungry for attention. If others show submission or yield to him he is open to it and freely receives it. It becomes natural for him to expect such treatment and to take much notice if a person fails to do so, and to have an ill opinion of those who do not give him that which he feels he deserves. One can really make a case in saying that pride is in, or is the root of most sin. When the church becomes sick with the cancer of pride, we can’t stand the thought of people thinking we aren’t as rich or successful or as talented and deserving as others.
When the devil plows the soil of the church, all kinds of wickedness germinates and grows,, e.g., envy, bitterness, strife, deceit, hypocrisy, slander, and greed. The church becomes the ugly part of our souls that causes us to be more concerned about our reputation and ourselves than with Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.
My weekly prayer is that the reader of this commentary becomes spiritually inspired of God.
Become a prayer partner with Expressions of Faith, and send for a copy of our Intercessory Prayer and a daily re-dedication of your life. Contact Expressions of Faith at P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203; or e-mail <w310watson @aol.com>. God bless!
