“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14
In her book, Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close, Lysa Terkeurst states, “I believe the opposite of pride is trust in God. Pride begs us to believe it all depends on us. Trusting God requires us to place our dependence on Him. And the pathway that leads us away from pride and into a place of truly trusting God is paved with humility. Humility is never bought at a cheap price. It will always cost us something but will be worth the price we pay.”
The chief problem with pride is that it offers us a feeling of satisfaction. We are content with our accomplishments, which leaves no room for trust and personal growth. I’m not saying it’s wrong to feel pleasure and gratification on a job well done. But whenever we’re tempted to believe ‘I’ve got this,’ we tend to plow ahead with our own agenda and in our own strength rather than seeking God’s guidance.
Lysa goes on to say, “If God sees big things ahead for you, and I believe He does, then He must remove all hints of pride. Even if pride is but a tiny thorn in your heart now, when you are given a bigger position with more recognition, that pride will grow from a thorn to a dagger with the potential to kill your calling.”
Pedestals are a very lonely place to be. Far better to be humble like Jesus, for we will never be alone as long as we are busy washing other people’s feet.
Prayer: Lord, show me if there is even a hint of pride in my heart. Excise it, then fill that space with you. May I always remember that we are all unrighteous in your sight and equally underserving of your mercy and grace. Amen.
Thought: The posture of our heart translates into the actions of our lives – Terry Storch