1 John 2:15-16
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
Many years ago there was a popular comic strip called Pogo. It featured a possum called Pogo and was set in the Okefenokee Swamp in Florida. Pogo and the other characters in the swamp were certain that they were about to be attacked by an unknown enemy. As they searched for this army they happened to look into the water and discovered who they were looking for. They returned to the others who had been waiting and announced: We have met the enemy and they is us!
Pride is such a persistent transgression that we need to be aware at all times of the many ways it can appear. A preoccupation with our feelings may seem to be a normal reaction to what we are enduring, but it may also be a pride of self that seeks to keep self in control rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to be in control.
The accumulation of things may at first appear to just be a desire to collect things that are special. But closer observation can reveal that the reason we collect things is to own something, or to possess more some-things than others have.
Need I go into the mania to seek a title that inflates the ego? Doctor, Master, Bishop, Reverend, Holiness—Grand Poobah! Some titles may be earned, but even if they have been granted after years of study, they must never be paraded. Mom and Dad gave me the name Cecil, and that is a good enough title for me.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil