PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• There’s a reason that pride is called the root of all sin.
Let’s go through the 10 Commandments as an example (Exodus 20:1-17 ESV).
1) “You shall have no other gods before me.” Pride states that we can determine the worth of something else as more important than the One who made us.
2) “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” Pride states that we have the authority to misuse the name of God, despite His power and authority.
3) “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Pride states “I’m too busy and important to stop for God.”
4) “Honor your father and your mother.” Pride states that we can determine the worthiness of our parents.
5) “You shall not murder.” Pride states, “Their life holds no value to me.”
6) “You shall not commit adultery.” Pride states that it’s okay as long as it feels good.
7) “You shall not steal.” Pride states that if we want it, we can have it.
8) “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Pride states that if we don’t like someone, we can accuse them of whatever we want.
9-10) “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house…wife…servant… ox…anything that is your neighbor’s.” Pride states, “I deserve it more than they do.”
Pride is a major stumbling block for most of us.
The problem with pride is that we’re really good at recognizing it in others.
We aren’t usually that good at seeing it in ourselves.
Call it pride, if you will (pun intended).
Proverbs 11:2 ESV says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Identifying the sin of pride is the first step toward humility.
And a humble heart is more willing to ask for wisdom.
In James 1:5 ESV it says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Today, as you pray, thank God that pride does not have the final say.
Thank Him that He can help a prideful heart learn humility.
Thank Him for His generosity with wisdom.
Ask the Holy Spirit to temper your pride and help you to recognize it when it shows up.
Ask Him to give you a longing for humility and wisdom.
