GIF Success and Pride

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

(Proverbs 16:18 NIV)

Success and Pride
by Chuck Bentley

Beware of pride.

I like to say that it is the easiest trait to spot in others but the most difficult to see in ourselves. The Lord described this paradox by saying, “First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5 NIV). Did you notice how He described the bigger of the two problems?

One of the sure ways to know if you are blinded by pride is when you notice a critical spirit developing. If you seem to be constantly aware of other’s faults, it is likely that you lack awareness of your own shortcomings.

When we are aware of God’s mercy extended to us, a new attitude of grace will develop toward others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3 NIV).

Since God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble, it is our own pride that can disqualify us from receiving mercy and grace. What a terrible loss.

Beware of pride, especially when you think you are most successful.

Daily Scripture Reading:

Matthew 28:9-20
Mark 16:9-20
Luke 24:13-53
John 20:11–21:25