PRIDE

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling" (Proverbs 16:18).
 

God loves us enough to crush our arrogant spirits. Our pride will lead us into trouble, into disaster, and even into death. Therefore, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (Proverbs 3;34). What you do today, and more importantly, how you do it, will either be blessed by God or will be opposed by Him. It matters!
 

Our pride is displayed in at least three ways:
 

Independence vs Dependence - Independence is a great virtue of our country (especially in the West). God however, wants us to learn to depend upon Him for our every need. Trusting in ourselves is just as much idolatry as trusting in an idol. How can you demonstrate dependence upon God today, resisting independent attitudes and actions?
 

Speaking vs Listening - Speaking is an indication of pride. The humble spend more time listening and learning and less time trying to be heard. Listening is perhaps one of the most difficult virtues to practice. Today, see if you can be quiet a little more than normal. Listen!
 

Works vs Grace - We generally affirm our value by the work of our hands. What do we do? Grace is resting in the work that God has already accomplished instead of feeling the need to do something in order to justify our existence. There is nothing wrong with working--just do it graciously!
 

Would you be so brave as to ask God to give you a heart of humility today?