WHAT IS TRUE "BIBLICAL HUMILITY?"
"Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; showing submissive respect..."Definition: Pride
1. To indulge in self esteem (self-glory);
2. Pleasure or satisfaction in one's work, achievement or possessions;
3. A sense of one's own proper dignity or value; self-respect;
4. A cause or source of pride;
5. An excessively high opinion of oneself; conceit.
According to the definition, Pride can be honorable or dishonorable, (positive or negative). It is much like the words, selfish or selfless.
Example: Parents should take pride in their children's love for the Lord. However, Parents should not be so prideful of their children that they overlook or fail to see their wrongs.
What does the Bible say concerning "pride?"
Scripture:
- "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5
- "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom" (Proverbs 11:2).
- "Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin" (Proverbs 21:4).
- "For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world" (1 John 2:16).
Remember, Satan was cast out of heaven because of pride (Isaiah 14:12-15). He had the selfish determination to replace God Himself as the rightful ruler of this world. Satan, however, will be cast down to hell in the final judgment of God.
For those who rise up in defiance against God, there is nothing ahead for them but disaster, because "I will rise up against them" is the promise of the Lord. He will cut them off (Isaiah 14:22).
A sharp contrast exists between worldly and divine jealousy; men want revenge, but He who is the giver of life…just gives more grace.
Note: If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and His way.
James 4:6 tells us that "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble"
Pride has kept many people from accepting Jesus Christ as personal Savior.
- Refusing to admit sin and acknowledging that in our own strength we cannot do anything to inherit eternal life has been a stumbling block for prideful people. We are not to boast about ourselves, but if we want to boast, then we are to proclaim the glories of God.
What should Christians learn from this lesson?
- What you say about yourself means nothing in God's work.
- It's what God says about you that makes the difference, (2 Corinthians 10:13).
Why is pride so sinful?
Pride is giving yourself the credit for something that God has accomplished. Pride is taking the glory that belongs to God alone and giving it to yourself. Pride is essentially self-worship. Anything we accomplish in this world would not have been possible were it not for God enabling and sustaining us.
That is why we give God the glory...for He alone deserves it.
