Pride

PRIDE

I work in addiction recovery ministry and could easily say that the biggest sin encountered on a daily basis is "addiction." In my opinion, if we were to guess that we would be oh so wrong. The biggest sin I encounter daily, in myself, and all around me in other people, is the sin of pride.

"These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud lookA lying tongueHands that shed innocent bloodA heart that devises wicked plans Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren." 1 ~~Proverbs 6:16-19

If we instantly heeded the Lord's conviction every time pride showed up, I think it would be difficult for us to walk upright because we'd be on our knees expressing sorrow to a holy God. God desires our hearts to always be remembering the grace by which we have been saved.

So, the simple, yet strong encouragement for today is this: We need to practice intentional humility Coram Deo - before the face of God."But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."2 ~~James 4:6

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom." ~~James 4:7-103 Selah

Stephanie Paul is Director of Women's Addiction Recovery Ministry of America's KESWICK
1 www.biblegateway.com2 ibid3 ibid