Pride

James 4:6;10 “But he gives more grace; therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.”

Pride is a wretched sin. We might not think that we suffer from pride because we don’t verbalize words such as “I’m better than they are”. We may not even think such a thought. However, pride has a way of slipping into our minds and then we allow them to take root. Consider how we might tell someone “did you see what they did?” or “what were they wearing?”. These kinds of comments are not only calling into question something about someone else in a negative way so as to distinguish them from ourselves, but we are verbalizing our judgmental thoughts so as to invite others to sin with us in sharing our pride over someone else. 

Also, consider how we enjo name dropping people we have met, places we have been, luxuries we have enjoyed, and prestigious jobs and partners we have worked with. These types of comments are intended to cause the receiver of this information to be impressed by what we have done and think highly of us. Do you think that God thinks highly of you because of people you have mingled with, places you have visited, luxuries you have indulged in, or projects you have worked on which carry some clout in human society? Surely not. He despises pride and our attempts to boost our ego among our fellow brothers and sisters whether this be on social media or in passing conversations. 

Let go of your pretensions and look at all that He has made around you: the mountains covered in forests, the oceans filled with life, the deserts constantly moving, the stars gleaming above your head, and the entire human race. Look at the sacrifice He has made to free you from the bondage of sin and liberate your soul from eternal damnation with His death on the cross and resurrection. Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to. Jesus Christ our Lord is the one who is saving you from destruction.