Expensive Pride

Pride slowly creeps in on people.  It starts with one small success then a strong desire for more takes over.  One success leads to another until a spirit of pride takes over.  A “can do no wrong” attitude creates a comfort zone that leads to a blind confidence in material things.  Purchases are made for things even not needed for the finest luxuries.  Second homes, boats, acreage, maids and vacations become a normal way of living.  People notice them and want what they have but can never afford even a pet cat.

Pride hurts people.  Pride soars while others do without.  If charity is given at all it’s only for a tax deduction or another claim to fame.  Pride goes through life all on its own and unfortunately has no need for God.   It fails to take note that life ends one day or material things fail.  God, Himself, sees to it that pride ends sooner or later. 

Whether pride is in just a talent, good grades or status, it is still a god.  It’s important from time to time to take an inventory of personal view points in life.  It’s not the opportunities or status that create pride but the viewpoint and dependence placed on them.  Are people in need while importance is placed on how many is in an audience?  Is there an important visit that needs to be made while attention is given to earning more money? 

The Bible is specific when God states that there shall be no god before Him.  Pride causes godships and it stands to reason that pride got the devil kicked out of heaven.  Today is the day to take inventory of thought patterns toward possessions and earnings.

Obadiah 3-4 New International Version (NIV)

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ 

Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord.