Guard Against Such!

The story has been told of a woman who went to a preacher, feeling she needed to confess the sin of PRIDE. The preacher listened as she told him, “I must confess that I just can’t resist the temptation of sitting in front of my mirror for two to three hours every day admiring my beauty.” The preacher, giving her a second look, counseled her, “Well, it’s not the sin of pride you need to confess; it’s the sin of IMAGINATION!”

Perhaps we can look around us and see how PRIDE and IMAGINATION often go hand in hand. In ARROGANCE many reject God’s wisdom to follow all kinds of IMAGINATIONS. They are so stuck on themselves and their own desires their thinking becomes extremely distorted. Why must we be so careful in this area? Solomon stated there is more hope for a fool than for one who is wise in his own eyes ( Proverbs 26:12) and Paul made reference to those who, claiming to be wise, became fools. ( Romans 1:22)

Regarding the wicked, the psalmist stated…
“(2) IN ARROGANCE the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in THE SCHEMES THAT THEY HAVE DEVISED. (3) For THE WICKED BOASTS of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. (4) IN the PRIDE of his face the wicked does not seek him; ALL HIS THOUGHTS ARE, ‘THERE IS NO GOD.’” ( Psalm 10:2-4 ESV)

When PRIDE takes over and one is left to their own IMAGINATIONS, perhaps it is the most dangerous position to be in. The psalmist went on to point out that such a one is so deluded in his PRIDE that he THINKS, “I shall not be moved” ( Psalm 10:6), “God has forgotten” and “will never see” the way others have been treated ( Psalm 10:11), and that God “will not call to account.” In each of these verses the psalmist stated this is what the wicked “says in his heart.” In the midst of PRIDE and one’s own IMAGINATIONS, all perspective is lost.

What is going on in our heart? If we are even bordering on either PRIDE or reliance on our own THINKING we need to confess it to God and turn our hearts back to a surrendered obedience to His Will. These two sins which often go together need to be driven out together. May we seek God’s help in maintaining a proper perspective of self and the manner in which we ought to live.

Have a great day LIVING FOR THE ONE TO WHOM WE WILL GIVE AN ACCOUNT!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Pride