Spiritual Pride
One of the things that can bring our spiritual journey to a standstill is pride. Pride is quite prevalent in the church. Without even being aware of it we might think; “I am glad I am not like that person” when we are very much like that person.
Pride is one of the enemy’s favorite weapons. He uses these especially when we first come to know the Lord in a personal way and when we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is the time when we become aware of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the authority that comes with it. Pride moves in and says; “I am someone special”.
I remember years ago when I elevated certain people to a higher level than I was. I did not realize at the time, by doing that I could not relate to them in the same way I could to people on my level. What a relief it was when I saw we were all at the same level. At this point I had to be careful I did not elevate myself above others. It is just as hard to relate to others whether we are looking up or looking down.
We must continually see that apart from Jesus Christ and God’s grace we have nothing to offer anyone. I often think of the statement that is used in the Catholic Church in the communion service; “Lord I am not worthy to receive you just say the word and I will be healed”.
I have said the words many times; “I am not worthy”, but the words never came alive to me till this year; not in a negative way, but seeing the truth of the statement. I did not see that I was worth enough for someone to die for me. My Father in heaven loved me and thought I was worth enough to send His Son to die for me.
Why is it important to see this truth?
When we see this truth, pride is dealt a serious blow. We stop trying to exalt ourself trying to be greater than someone else and we stop punishing ourselves for our failures. As a result, God is able to work through us more then ever. We then enter into a new place of rest and peace that we cannot enter into when we are filled with pride.
Luke 18:10-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer.
The Pharisee stood and was praying thus to himself, “God I thank thee that I am not like other people; swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer.
I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get”.
But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his chest, saying, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner”.
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted”.