SCRIPTURE:
“While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
Luke 20:45-47
OBSERVATION:
The teachers of the law equated title with a certain level of entitlement. Their pride told them that they deserved respect, important seats and places of honor. They took financial advantage of the vulnerable (devoured widows’ houses). To top it all off, they made prayer a performance to appear more holy.
Jesus warns of the punishment that awaits them. In Matthew 23, we find the same warning given with this added on to drive home the point about the dangers of pride:
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
APPLICATION:
The Lord is clear when it comes to pride.
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” – James 4:6
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
Pride tells us that we deserve more than we do. Pride tells us that we are right and everyone else is wrong. Pride tells us that we are better than others.
Pride is a liar and will destroy the good that The Lord is trying to do in our lives.
The answer for pride?
Humility.
I must take off my crown of pride daily and clothe myself with the garments of humility.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have allowed my pride to get the better of me. Thank You Lord that You call us to be a people of humility. May I surrender my pride to You daily, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
