Foolish pride

Did you know that there are seven things that the Lord hates? “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A 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 the brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19.

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who can’t stop talking about themselves? They commandeer the entire conversation filling it with stories about all of their great accomplishments. When every other word is “I”, “I did this” and “I did that”,” look at the kingdom that I built”. You know, you can’t get a word in edgewise and when you do, it’s totally ignored. Well, take heed because the Lord hates pride.

It was the seed of pride that sprouted in Satan’s own heart as he lusted and plotted to steal away some of God’s glory and be worshipped. Then, as the heavenly insurrection spread through his lies and deception, Satan was able to lure one third of the heavenly host into an open and ongoing godless rebellion in the heavenly realm.  

So it’s no wonder that our Lord hates these seven things listed in Proverbs 6. It’s so important to remember that God is the source of all our blessings.  Jesus was sent to the earth to pay our sin debt “And being found in appearance of a man , He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8.  Jesus modeled selflessness at every turn in the roadway by loving others with all of His heart and putting them first.

God is both able and willing to humble a prideful man. We see many examples of this taking place throughout the bible. There is an awesome story about King Nebuchadnezzar being humbled that is recorded in the Old Testament book of Daniel.

 Through the prophet Daniel, God warned King Nebuchadnezzar that he was becoming filled with pride and headed for a great fall. In the king’s dream the king and his kingdom was likened to a great tree that spread out its branches over all the earth. The tree provided food, shade, protection and comfort to all beasts, birds and people of the kingdom.

But because of the king’s pride and arrogance the tree was going to be stripped of its leaves, branches and its trunk cut down to a stump then bound with a band of iron and bronze. Daniel interprets the dream for the king telling him that unless he humbled himself he would lose his kingdom and be forced to live outdoors and graze in the field like an ox.

Unfortunately, twelve months later as King Nebuchadnezzar was walking on the roof of his palace admiring his kingdom and achievements he spoke saying “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” Daniel 4:30.

But before the words had even left his mouth his entire kingdom was ripped away. The king was driven out with the beasts of the field and forced to graze upon grass. His hair and nails grew wildly and his mind was turned insane until seven years had passed by him. God did all of this to help the king refocus, repent and return to the One True and Living God of Heaven, that is until the king realized that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.

After his kingdom is restored to him, King Nebuchadnezzar gives a testimonial declaring “I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me. How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation.” Daniel 4:2-3.

Oh how we need to humble ourselves. Its only when we keep God on His throne continually remembering His greatness, His great mercy and His indescribable love for us, that  we have a chance to be humble.

So if you find yourself talking too much about your new promotion, legacy leaving or the kingdom you have been building then maybe it’s time to have an “I” exam. It’s most likely time to take your eyes off yourself and turn them to God. It’s all about Jesus. He was a servant of all right to the end. And even on the last night of His life He washed His disciples’ feet.

Remember don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought to because it’s the Most High that rules the kingdom of men!