Proverbs 16:21
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
What is the difference between beautiful joy and ugly pride? Perhaps we have all seen the distasteful displays of taunting or gesturing after a sports figure has accomplished a particular feat. They seem to enjoy flaunting and taunting their opponents. To me it is an ugly and unsportsmanlike display.
I contrast these ugly displays with the pure joy of believers who have been redeemed and are on the way to heaven. God has allowed me to witness to people who have had their sins forgiven and who have won the greatest contest of all. There is a joy that words cannot express.
God hates pride in any way, shape or form. There are far too many Christians who seem to love drawing attention to themselves. There is great danger for those who lead worship services. They should always ask themselves if they are drawing attention to themselves or to the Lord. Self needs to be nailed to the cross.
I pray that the joy of the Lord might be poured out in our quiet times. I just received a call from a precious young woman who felt the Lord speak to her about a direction in her life. As she submitted to this new direction she felt joy flow over her like the waves of the sea. Praise the Lord! May our prayer always be, “not my will, but Thy will be done.”
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil