Pride Archives

May 8, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Striving for Purity of Motive

Opening Verse

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
— Philippians 2:3 (KJV)

Introduction

God does not just look at what we do. He examines why we do it. In a world that praises self-promotion and pride, the Lord calls us to humble service, free from selfish motives.

Devotional Story

A young woman worked hard in her church’s outreach ministry. She planned events, handed out meals, and spoke about Christ. But something began to change. She noticed her joy was tied more to compliments than to Christ. The smiles of others became her fuel instead of the Spirit of God. One evening, as she walked home alone after an event, the silence pierced her heart. She realized she had been serving to be seen.

She repented, fell to her knees in her living room, and cried out, “Lord, cleanse my heart. Let me serve for Your glory, not mine.” From that moment on, she no longer chased praise. She chased Christ. And the peace she found was far greater than any applause.

What This Means

Philippians 2:3 is not a suggestion. It is a command to abandon pride. When we do anything, whether in ministry, work, or family, we must ask ourselves, “Am I doing this to lift Jesus or to lift myself?” God wants lowly hearts, not lofty egos.

The moment pride enters, the Spirit is grieved. True humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of others more. It is recognizing that every good thing in you came from God, not from your own strength.

Think About This

Are your motives clean before God?
Do you serve to glorify Him, or to be recognized?
When no one thanks you, do you still rejoice?

Prayer

Father, search my heart. Clean out every trace of pride and selfish ambition. Help me to serve with a pure heart, esteeming others better than myself. Let my actions reflect the humility of Christ. May everything I do be for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
— Matthew 23:11 (KJV)

May 7, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Not the Only Way

Opening Verse

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
— Romans 12:3 (KJV)

Introduction

There is only one Savior — Jesus Christ. You are not Him. None of us are. And yet, many people act like their opinions, their methods, or their traditions are the only way to live out faith. That prideful mindset shuts out others, stifles learning, and grieves the Spirit of God.

Devotional Story

A man believed his understanding of scripture was flawless. He avoided anyone who didn’t agree with him. In his small circle, no one challenged his views. One day, a young believer humbly asked a question he couldn’t answer. Embarrassed, he brushed it off and avoided the young man from then on.

But later that week, the man overheard the young believer gently sharing the gospel with someone in tears. The words were simple, the love was genuine, and the Spirit was present. That moment crushed the man’s pride. He realized he had built a bubble of self-importance, shutting out not only people but God’s own work through them.

What This Means

God gives grace to the humble, not to the proud. You are not the standard — Jesus is. When you shut yourself off from others, you may be shutting yourself off from what God is doing through them. True faith isn’t about being right — it’s about being righteous. That means being teachable, respectful, and always ready to learn from others whom God has also gifted and called.

Think About This

Are you willing to learn from others, even those who see things differently? Have you mistaken your personal convictions for divine authority? Are you lifting up Jesus — or just yourself?

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the pride that makes me think I know it all. Help me to stay humble and teachable. Teach me to respect others and recognize the work You are doing in them. Let me never forget that only You are the way, the truth, and the life. I want to lift You up, not myself. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
— Philippians 2:3 (KJV)

April 13, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Beware the Leaven

Opening Verse

“Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”
Matthew 16:6 (KJV)

Introduction

Jesus spoke in ways that pierced the heart. When He warned about “leaven,” He wasn’t giving a baking lesson. He was exposing the quiet spread of false teaching, pride, and sin. That warning is louder than ever today. If we ignore it, we risk being slowly overtaken by corruption that looks religious but denies Christ’s power.

What Jesus Said About Leaven

Jesus said a little leaven leavens the whole lump (Galatians 5:9). That’s how sin works. That’s how pride spreads. That’s how false doctrine seeps in. The Pharisees were religious on the outside, but their hearts were hard. Their teachings looked clean but led people away from repentance and truth.

This leaven is still active. It’s in churches that downplay sin. It’s in pulpits that preach prosperity over purity. It’s in lives that look godly but don’t surrender to Christ. Jesus warns us, because a little lie can destroy a whole life.

What This Means

If we don’t deal with the “little” things—jealousy, pride, compromise—we’ll be filled with the leaven of self instead of the Spirit of God. We must examine what we’re listening to. We must ask, “Is this leading me to the cross, or is it just making me feel good?” If it doesn’t bring conviction, it’s likely leaven.

Jesus never spoke lightly. His warning to beware the leaven is a call to cut out anything that contaminates the Gospel. It’s a call to return to the truth, even if it offends. Better to be offended and saved than comfortable and lost.

Think About This

What teachings have I accepted that aren’t grounded in Scripture?
Have I allowed pride or spiritual laziness to rise in my heart?
Am I following the voice of Christ or the voice of culture?

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to any leaven I’ve allowed in my life. Show me where I’ve compromised, even a little. Burn away falsehood and cleanse me with Your truth. I want to follow You fully, not halfway. Make me holy. Make me bold. Keep me close to You, even when the world pulls away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”
1 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)

March 7, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Pride That Leads to Destruction

Opening Verse:

“The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?”
— Obadiah 1:3 (KJV)

Introduction:

Pride is one of the most deceptive sins. It blinds us to our own weaknesses and makes us believe we are untouchable. The book of Obadiah warns against the dangers of pride, particularly in how it led to the downfall of Edom. When we rely on ourselves instead of God, we set ourselves on a path to destruction.

Devotional Story:

A businessman had built an empire from the ground up. He was known for his sharp mind, strategic thinking, and relentless ambition. As his success grew, so did his pride. He boasted that his achievements were the result of his own intelligence and hard work. “No one can take this from me,” he often said.

One day, a close friend warned him, “Be careful not to forget who truly gives success. Pride goes before destruction.” The businessman scoffed at the idea. He had made it this far on his own—why would he need God now?

But one day, an unexpected economic crisis hit. His investments collapsed, his business partners withdrew, and his once-thriving empire crumbled. The very foundation he thought was unshakable proved weak. In his despair, he remembered his friend’s warning and fell to his knees. “Lord, I see now—I was deceived by my own pride. Forgive me,” he prayed.

Slowly, God restored him, not to his former wealth, but to a place of humility and trust in Him.

What This Means:

Edom was a strong nation, secure in its high places and natural defenses. Yet, God humbled them because of their arrogance. No matter how high we rise, we are still dependent on God. Pride deceives us into thinking we are invincible, but destruction follows those who exalt themselves. True security is found in humility before God.

Think About This:

Are there areas in your life where pride has crept in?
Do you acknowledge God in your successes, or do you take the credit for yourself?
How can you practice humility daily?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, keep my heart from the deception of pride. Let me always remember that You alone are my source and strength. Teach me to walk in humility and to give You glory in all things. Help me to trust in You rather than in my own abilities. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse:

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”
— 1 Peter 5:6 (KJV)

January 20, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Fall of the Wicked: A Call to Reflect

Opening Verse

“The horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear: and there is a multitude of slain, and a great number of carcasses; and there is none end of their corpses; they stumble upon their corpses.” – Nahum 3:3

Introduction

Nahum 3:3 paints a vivid picture of devastation, serving as a warning about the consequences of unchecked wickedness. It is a sobering reminder that God is just, and His judgment comes upon those who persist in rebellion against Him. This verse calls us to reflect on the justice of God and the importance of repentance.

Devotional Story

A powerful nation once stood proud, its leaders boasting of their wealth and might. They trusted in their armies and alliances, ignoring the cries of the oppressed. Over time, corruption and violence consumed the land. Despite many warnings from prophets and signs from God, they refused to turn from their ways.

One day, their enemies came like a flood, sweeping away their power and leaving a trail of destruction. The devastation echoed Nahum’s prophecy—a fall so great that even passersby were struck by the consequences of their pride and sin. Yet, for those who witnessed this judgment, it became a stark reminder to walk humbly before God and align with His righteousness.

What This Means

Nahum 3:3 is a warning against pride, violence, and rebellion against God. It shows the severity of judgment that comes when individuals or nations persist in sin. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts, turn from sin, and align ourselves with God’s will. His justice is certain, but so is His mercy for those who repent.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where pride or rebellion is keeping you from God?
How does the justice of God inspire you to live a life of righteousness and humility?
Reflect on the fact that God gives warnings out of love, calling us to turn back to Him before judgment comes.

Prayer

Righteous and merciful God, Your Word reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of Your justice. Help me to walk humbly before You, turning away from pride and rebellion. May I always respond to Your warnings with repentance and seek Your mercy through Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” – Nahum 1:3

December 21, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Tables Turned

Opening Verse:

“And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.”
– Esther 7:7 (KJV)

Introduction:

In this pivotal moment, Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews is exposed, and his desperate attempt to save himself highlights the consequences of pride and wicked schemes. The God who sees all brings justice, showing that He is always working on behalf of His people, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

Devotional Story:

A powerful CEO, renowned for his ruthless decisions, once schemed to sabotage a colleague he saw as a threat. For years, he manipulated circumstances to ensure his rival’s downfall. However, at the peak of his success, his deceit was exposed. In a dramatic twist, the board voted to remove him, and his rival was promoted to his position.

This story reflects the turn of events in Esther 7. Haman, filled with pride and hatred, sought to destroy Mordecai and the Jewish people. Yet, God’s providence worked through Esther’s courage and obedience, revealing Haman’s plans and securing justice for His people. Just as pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18), Haman’s downfall came swiftly and decisively.

What This Means:

God’s justice cannot be thwarted. Haman’s story is a powerful reminder that no scheme against God’s people will prosper. Even in the face of injustice, we can trust that God sees, knows, and acts in His perfect timing. His providence ensures that the tables will always turn in favor of His purposes.

Think About This:

Are you trusting God to bring justice in a difficult situation?
How can you, like Esther, be courageous in the face of opposition?
Reflect on Romans 8:31: “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being a God of justice and righteousness. Help us to trust in Your timing and sovereignty, even when we face injustice. Give us the courage to stand for what is right, knowing that You are always working on behalf of Your people. Amen.

Closing Verse:

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”
– Isaiah 54:17 (KJV)

December 17, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Arrogance That Consumes

Opening Verse:

“Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people.”
– Habakkuk 2:5 (KJV)

Introduction:

Habakkuk’s prophecy warns of the insatiable greed and pride that leads nations and individuals astray. This verse exposes the destructive nature of arrogance and the emptiness of chasing worldly gain. It is a wake-up call to evaluate where our desires lie and whom we serve.

Devotional Story:

A wealthy businessman had everything—mansions, luxury cars, and a thriving company. Yet, his heart was restless. Each achievement brought temporary satisfaction but left him craving more. He sought comfort in indulgences, hoping to fill the void.

One night, he dreamt of a bottomless pit. People were dropping treasures into it, but the pit remained unfilled. He realized he was among them, throwing his wealth into the abyss. A voice thundered, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Awaking in a cold sweat, he knelt by his bed and prayed for forgiveness. He realized his pursuit of satisfaction had left him spiritually bankrupt. From that day, he turned his heart to God, using his resources to serve others and glorify Him.

What This Means:

Habakkuk reminds us that pride and unchecked desires lead to destruction. Greed enslaves the heart, leaving it barren and far from God. True satisfaction is found only in Christ. The world offers empty promises, but God’s grace fills every void.

Think About This:

Are you chasing things that can never satisfy?
How can you align your desires with God’s will today?
Reflect on Psalm 23:1: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our pride and greed. Help us to seek You above all things, knowing that only You can satisfy our deepest longings. Teach us to trust in Your provision and to live humbly in Your presence. Amen.

Closing Verse:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
– Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

June 19, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Humble Yourself Before the Lord

Opening Verse

‘And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.”

– Exodus 10:3 (KJV)

Introduction

Humility is a powerful virtue in our walk with God. The Bible repeatedly reminds us of the importance of humbling ourselves before the Lord. Today, we reflect on the stubbornness of Pharaoh and the call to humility.

Devotional Story

Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, was a man of great power. Yet, despite witnessing numerous signs and wonders performed by God through Moses and Aaron, he hardened his heart and refused to humble himself before the Almighty. His pride led to the suffering of his people and the eventual downfall of his empire.

In our own lives, we may not be rulers of nations, but we often face the temptation to let pride dictate our actions. We might think we can handle everything on our own or that our ways are always right. However, like Pharaoh, we are reminded that true freedom and service to God come from a heart that is humble and submissive to His will.

What This Means

The story of Pharaoh teaches us that humility is not just a passive attitude but an active choice to recognize God’s authority in our lives. It involves acknowledging our limitations and our need for God’s guidance. When we humble ourselves, we open the door for God’s blessings and avoid the pitfalls of pride that can lead to destruction.

Think About This

– Are there areas in your life where pride is preventing you from fully surrendering to God?

– How can you practice humility in your daily interactions with others?

– Reflect on a time when humbling yourself before God led to a positive change in your life.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to humble myself before You. I acknowledge that You are the sovereign ruler of my life. Teach me to let go of my pride and to trust in Your wisdom and guidance. May my actions reflect a heart that is submissive and obedient to Your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

– James 4:10 (KJV)

*Tags: humility, pride, Pharaoh, subm ission, obedience, blessings*

June 14, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Humble Yourself and Take Correction

Opening Verse

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)

Introduction

Humility is a virtue that can save us from many troubles. Being open to correction is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. It’s like using a GPS that alerts you immediately when you miss a turn. Wouldn’t you rather be corrected promptly than find yourself miles off course?

Devotional Story

Jane was driving to a friend’s house in a new city. She confidently set off, believing she knew the way. However, she missed a turn and continued driving, unaware of her mistake. Her GPS beeped, indicating she needed to make a U-turn. Frustrated, Jane ignored it, thinking she knew better. After 45 minutes of driving in the wrong direction, she realized she was hopelessly lost.

When Jane finally humbled herself and followed the GPS instructions, she arrived at her friend’s house much later than expected. This experience taught her a valuable lesson about the importance of accepting correction promptly.

What This Means

We all make mistakes, but our response to correction defines us. Pride can lead us down the wrong path for much longer than necessary. When we humble ourselves and accept guidance, we can correct our course and avoid unnecessary hardships. Just like a GPS, God’s Word and wise counsel are there to guide us. Ignoring them only leads to more confusion and delay.

Think About This

How do you react when someone corrects you?
Are there areas in your life where pride is keeping you from accepting guidance?
How can you practice humility and be more open to correction?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, teach me to humble myself and accept correction with grace. Help me to listen to Your guidance and the wise counsel of others. Protect me from the pride that leads to destruction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.”
Proverbs 18:12 (KJV)

February 26, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Pride to Humility

Opening Verse

“Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.” (Isaiah 47:1, KJV)

Introduction

In Isaiah 47:1, we are introduced to a powerful image of downfall and humility. This verse speaks to the heart of pride and the inevitable judgment that follows those who exalt themselves above others and God.

Devotional Story

Imagine a great city, known far and wide for its beauty, wealth, and power. Its people live in luxury, believing they are untouchable, superior to all others. But then, a day comes when everything changes. Suddenly, the city is no longer a place of pride and power but of humility and desolation.

This story mirrors the message of Isaiah 47:1, where Babylon, once a symbol of human pride and power, is foretold to face God’s judgment. The “virgin daughter of Babylon” is called to “come down and sit in the dust,” a position of mourning and humility. This image serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and self-exaltation.

What This Means

Isaiah 47:1 is a call to recognize the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God. It reminds us that no matter how high we may rise in our own eyes or the eyes of the world, we are always subject to God’s sovereignty and judgment.

Think About This

Consider your own life. Are there areas where you may be holding onto pride or self-sufficiency? How can you cultivate a spirit of humility and recognize God’s ultimate authority over your life?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to walk in humility and recognize Your sovereignty over our lives. Teach us to put aside pride and self-exaltation, knowing that all we have and are is because of Your grace. Guide us to live in a way that honors You above all else. Amen.

Closing Verse

“For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2, KJV)