Do you pursue high places? Are you looking for prominence? Do you like to be recognized in front of others? Do you like it when your name is mentioned in public? Do you have dreams of grandeur? Pride has seen the fall of many. Proverbs 16:18 says: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."On the other hand, modesty, lowliness, humility (rare commodities for us human beings) are pleasing to God. In Luke 18:10-14 Jesus tells the following story: "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank You, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give You a tenth of my income.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Which of these two individuals characterizes you? Which one do you rather be?
Stay away from pride, self promotion, from being self conceited, and looking for the praises of others. Stay low; seek God’s favor; lift HIS Name on high and not yours; praise HIM and not yourself, for “God resists the proud, but give grace to the humble.” James 4:6
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