PROUD

A common phrase that most people have heard is that "pride comes before a fall". At the same time our culture seems to covet pride and hold it up as something to strive for. Why would we covet something that is going to throw us down? Why does our culture cling to pride as though it is a means to our salvation? I believe part of the answer can be found in our interpretation of the word salvation. When most Christians think of salvation their minds go directly to thoughts of Heaven and life after death. However, the Bible seems to paint it as something that begins before we die. When we begin to think of salvation as something that takes place here and now then the source of slavation changes as well. Let me explain what I mean. If salvation doesn't occur until after we die, then there are many aspects of our lives that we don't consider when we are thinking about our salvation. The source of our self-esteem for example, is sought in our accomplishments at work, in our athletic ability, in our abiblity to keep a clean house, in our possessions, and many other things that are directly correlated with things that WE have done with OUR talents. If salvation begins to take place when we welcome the Spirit of God into our lives then our self-esteem is sought in the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, in the price He paid, in God's love for us, in the amazing things that He is able to do through our otherwise incapable hands, and so on. When we recognize what our salvation truly is then we can rest in the fact that our self-worth doesn't come from all the many things we do but instead comes from God and what He's done for us. Pride comes before the fall because we are living in the dark. When the light of God is there to show us the way then we can make it home safely. Sure we may turn our heads and stumble from time to time but as long as we look back towards the light ahead we'll make it okay.

Points to ponder:
The point of pride is winning and the humble seek the truth. (Remember this in your marriage as well)
Lack of prayer reveals the presence of pride.

Philippians 2:3-5
"Don't let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others. We will get nowhere if our motives spring from selfish ambition or from indifference to the plight of those around us. Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors' interests first. In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus, your Liberating King. Live with His attitude in your hearts." (from The Voice New Testament)