A conversation started between two brothers over some issues. The conversation went into a heated argument. They were accusing each other. One blamed the other saying, “You are the problem!” The other defended himself and shouted back, “No! You are the problem” The exchanges went on and on with none admitting wrong. There was no reconciliation between them as none would budge.
Pride is the root of all conflict. Nobody wants to give way because it hurts the self-image. People don’t want to lose face especially when they are put to shame. They would rather die than be embarrassed.
The question is frequently asked, “Where did pride originate?” Yes, we have heard that Satan is the father of lies (Jn.8:44). But do you know that Satan is also the father of pride!
We read about how Satan fell (Isa.14:12-14; Eze.28:12). Pride was Satan’s sin. He said, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above God; I will sit enthroned on the mountain of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High” (Isa.14:13-14). Notice the “I will” used five times. This is what pride can do. I will be like what I desire.
Pride goes before a fall. None can claim that he has no pride. Pride and God’s presence are incompatible (Ps.10:4). The proud have no room for God. That is why God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (1Peter 5:5).
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice (Pro.13:10)
What can we do to overcome pride?
1. Admit that we have it regardless of our spirituality, moral or social standing. It does not mean that if we have more education that we are wiser and smarter. Pride is no respecter of persons. Pride goes before a fall.
2. Confess the sin of pride before God. He resists the proud, and so we have no place in His presence. Repent from the sin of pride and be willing to admit that we have been proud towards our brethren.
3. Humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. To be humble is to be meek. Meekness is not weakness. We need the favour of the Lord upon us. It is only when we are humbled before God, that He will lift us up in due time (1Pet.5:6).
4. Pray daily, “Lord make me to be a person of humility, to be an instrument of your peace.” As in the hymm – CHANNEL OF PEACE (from a prayer of St. Francis Of Assisi):
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your love;
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord;
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
O Master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved, as to love with all my soul.
By Pastor Titus Soo
Pride is the root of all conflict. Nobody wants to give way because it hurts the self-image. People don’t want to lose face especially when they are put to shame. They would rather die than be embarrassed.
The question is frequently asked, “Where did pride originate?” Yes, we have heard that Satan is the father of lies (Jn.8:44). But do you know that Satan is also the father of pride!
We read about how Satan fell (Isa.14:12-14; Eze.28:12). Pride was Satan’s sin. He said, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above God; I will sit enthroned on the mountain of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High” (Isa.14:13-14). Notice the “I will” used five times. This is what pride can do. I will be like what I desire.
Pride goes before a fall. None can claim that he has no pride. Pride and God’s presence are incompatible (Ps.10:4). The proud have no room for God. That is why God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (1Peter 5:5).
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice (Pro.13:10)
What can we do to overcome pride?
1. Admit that we have it regardless of our spirituality, moral or social standing. It does not mean that if we have more education that we are wiser and smarter. Pride is no respecter of persons. Pride goes before a fall.
2. Confess the sin of pride before God. He resists the proud, and so we have no place in His presence. Repent from the sin of pride and be willing to admit that we have been proud towards our brethren.
3. Humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. To be humble is to be meek. Meekness is not weakness. We need the favour of the Lord upon us. It is only when we are humbled before God, that He will lift us up in due time (1Pet.5:6).
4. Pray daily, “Lord make me to be a person of humility, to be an instrument of your peace.” As in the hymm – CHANNEL OF PEACE (from a prayer of St. Francis Of Assisi):
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your love;
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord;
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
O Master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved, as to love with all my soul.
By Pastor Titus Soo