One thing I’m starting to love about the scripture is that it doesn’t fail to convict the human heart. The Scripture possesses divine power to convict human hearts, exposing sin and revealing one’s true need for God and grace.
The bible says that “…the word of God is alive and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The word of God is alive and active. It is always working and always executing God’s sovereign purposes. It has the ability to cut deep into our soul; to search for us, and show us what is really happening in the innermost parts of our soul. God’s Word does not merely inflict surface scrapes or flesh wounds. Rather, it penetrates the outward façade of a person’s life and cuts all the way to the “joints and marrow.” Thus, the Bible is able to reveal the depths of man’s inward depravity and need for saving grace.
For the past few days, all I’ve been hearing is, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). I realised the Holy Spirit would bring this scripture up whenever pride reared its ugly head. The issue of pride is so subtle. For me, it shows as me wanting to be independent. Nothing is wrong with being independent. The issue I have is this: Because I want to seem independent, I do whatever I have to do on my own, even when I’m in need of help. Still not seeing anything wrong with this? Ok, let me continue. This pride of mine is so bad to the point where I don’t make it known to friends or family that I am in need, just because I want to seem as though I am independent.
Pride says that we can trust in wealth, ourselves and independence. It says that we have no need for God and others in our lives. Pride blinds us to our need for God, and then failure, disconnection, and destruction become the product of our lives. For us to know God and enjoy His blessings, we need a humble heart. James 4:10 describes the posture we should take as believers. It says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Humility is defined as “not proud or haughty” which is exactly the opposite of what Proverbs 16:18 warns will bring us bad results.
Our pride is what causes fights in our friendships and marriage. It is what gets in the way of us loving our neighbour well. It is what creates division in our communities. When we live with the idea that “our way is best,” then there is no room for God or the people around us to influence our lives. Philippians 2:3 captures the posture we should take in our relationships. Philippians 2:3 says “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Yet, how hard is this to actually live by?
It is a daily challenge to not let pride get into the way, but God can help us. Do you struggle with pride? You may or may not know, because it shows up in very subtle ways; but that’s the reason why we have the Holy Spirit. If you struggle with pride, don’t hide it. Surrender your heart to God and let Him put you under that microscope. Chances are, He knows how to fix you right up.
Pay attention to the convictions of the Holy Spirit. They are to not to condemn you in any way but to help you walk always upright in the sight of the Lord.
Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.