If sin could be categorized from the greatest to the least, I believe pride would take the ‘number one’ position. With pride comes arrogance, vanity, and conceit. ‘Pride will cut us off from God and other people.’ Another word for pride is ‘self-righteousness,’ which put us in a position to judge the lives of others. Self-righteousness is dangerous and causes us to despise others and keeps us from learning anything about God’s true nature. Self-righteousness blinds us to our own faults and magnifies the faults of others.

Christians are becoming more political, and politics is pushing spirituality out of the church. Thinking that your gift is more important than someone else’s gift is an expression of Spiritual pride. We should not look down on those who seem unimportant, and we should not be jealous of others who have impressive gifts. We should encourage one another to use what God has given. If not, the body of believers will be less effective.

When leaders in the church (or different groups in the church) exercise their own authority or opinions of right and wrong, horrendous results will result in the body of Christ. ‘When people selfishly seek to satisfy their personal desires at all cost, everyone pays the price Spiritually.’ Stop being the one who thinks you know what is best for everyone else (Colossians 1:6).

“For everyone who tries to honor himself shall be humbled; and he who humbles himself shall be honored,” Luke 14:11. Love should always be the Christian guide.

My weekly prayer is that the reader of this commentary becomes spiritually inspired of God. Become a Prayer Partner with Expressions of Faith Ministry. Send for a copy of our Intercessory and Re-dedication of Life Prayer. Request a copy of how to walk in the Spirit in your daily life. Contact us at P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203; or e-mail <w310watson@aol.com>. God bless!