The Right Seeds 4

PRO 18:12 NIV

Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

When dealing with God, mortal man has to be careful so that he does not assume or presume on issues with God. Today's extract seeks to remind us again of the dangers of pride. Pride isn't visible or tangible; it isn't something you can define or hold, but its effect is devastating and destructive. Great men and empires have fallen because of pride, while some men who began well ended badly because of this same attitude.

Where, then, is its danger? I believe it is in the attitude: it tells itself that God does not matter, and that self is sufficient. Pride pushes God to the background, seeks to do things in its own wisdom and power, telling God that his grace, favour, strength and blessings do not matter. It tells God to keep his power to himself while it seeks to prove a point by striving to achieve all by its own power. The effect of this stupidity is best seen in what happened to Lucifer: strong, Beautiful arch-angel; decided he could be God since he was already close to God. He didn't act it out, he just Thought about it, and that sealed his fate. Therein lies the danger of pride: long before it manifests physically, God already sees it in our hearts and he will deal thoroughly with pride wherever he sees it. It doesnt matter how close you are to God; God hates pride and he will fight it wherever he sees it.

It is only in God's dictionary that humility comes before honour. In man's dictionary, and by the standards of the world, you have got fight for respect, position, power and influence. The world says: if you don't fight for it yourself, nobody will give it to you. God says: depend on me, I will give you everything you need, at my own time, and in my own way.

You want to go up? The quickest way there is the way of humility. You want to go down quickly? The quickest way is the way of pride. The choice is yours; the effect of each choice has been spelt out clearly and precisely. Choose right, for his time of favour is here.