The sin that grips pastors, princes, presidents, and peons

 

It’s the ‘acceptable’ sin, hard to see in ourselves, hiding behind so many good things, corrupting the best things. It convinces me that I must work longer or harder not to serve my purpose but rather to prove my worth. It congratulates me when I do something noble and then beats me up when I don’t meet the measure of success, when a project fails to produce the desired objective. It causes me to compare myself to others, envying some, treating others with disdain. Cruel words spring from its inspiration, harsh criticism of those knocked down by sin’s deceptions grow from it. It blinds me to my own foibles but gives me the eye of an eagle to see the stains on another’s character. The appeal to Eve in the Garden was built around it. Solomon was deceived by it. It is equally at home in a palace and a pigsty.

This sin, according to Isaiah, was in the heart of the most noble angel and caused his banishment from the Presence of God. “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths. Everyone there will stare at you and ask, ‘Can this be the one who shook the earth and made the kingdoms of the world tremble?" (Isaiah 14:12-16, NLT)

Yes, that of which I write is the ancient sin: pride. More Christians shipwreck on the rocky shores of pride than because of lust, greed, laziness, and apathy combined!  We admire the person who learns to wrap pride in hard charging ambition, perfectionism that produces many good works, or even noble humanitarian work.  Yet, the wisdom of the Scripture warns that "Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor." (Proverbs 18:12, NIV) James teaches that the gateway to greater grace is found in humility. "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.” So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper." (James 4:7, The Message)

There is but one antidote to the poison of pride.  We do not find humility in the fountain of greater work, nor is it gained in vain attempts at putting ourselves down. Even the choice to take second place or to do that which is of low esteem can feed pride’s ravenous appetite. Only true worship: kneeling and waiting before the Lord, allows the Spirit to break the hold of this acceptable sin. When the Spirit whispers a warning to our heart about a proud attitude, when need to find a quiet retreat. When we find ourselves looking desperately for affirmation, craving a word of praise, we know that we are but a step from pride and it is time to find a place with the Lord where He renews our joy in serving for His honor.

Our model is Christ Jesus of Whom the Scripture says, "Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names." (Philippians 2:4-9, NLT)

Kneel before you stand.
Listen before you speak.
Wait in worship before you charge off to war.

Take this word from the Word and let it preserve you from this more subtle sin.

"First pride, then the crash—
the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.
It’s better to live humbly among the poor
than to live it up among the rich and famous."  (Proverbs 16:18-19, The Message)

____________

It's our confession, Lord,

That we are weak,

So very weak, but You are strong.

And though we've nothing, Lord,

To lay at Your feet,

We come to Your feet and say,

"Help us along".

A broken heart and a contrite spirit

You have yet to deny.

Your heart of mercy

Beats with love's strong current,

Let the river flow

By Your Spirit now, Lord we cry,

"Let Your mercies fall from heaven,

Sweet mercies flow from heaven,

New mercies for today,

(Oh) Shower them down Lord,

As we pray."

Sweet Mercies

Ruis, David

© 1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)

CCLI License No. 810055