{Apologies – I have written a few posts over the past few months and not got to post them,  so here are some catch-ups}

I’m lying in bed, listening to rain on the roof, pondering pride.

A few years ago, I witnessed the destructive power of pride right in front of my eyes.

Someone I knew in a position of authority, like a landslide, moving slowly at first, before thundering down the hill in a muddy mess, became prey to pride and the devastation it wreaks upon one’s life.

This remains one of the most heartbreaking things I’ve ever seen, and at the same time a sobering lesson.

As 1 Peter 5:8 says, “The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone whom he might devour”. This is so true! In my own life, I’ve become very aware of just how sneaky he is, always looking for opportunity to trip us up. 

But ‘knowledge is power’, so to speak, and knowing his tactics can help us avoid the pitfalls he places about us, including the ugly monster of pride.

Lessons I’ve learnt…

☆ pride is competitive rather than rejoicing in the success of others

☆ pride wants validation from others rather than being content with the approval of God (know anyone who must be addressed by a title?)

☆ pride destroys relationship as jealousy invades (the tall poppy syndrome)

☆ pride controls rather than frees others (manipulation 101)

☆ pride says hateful and hurtful things to innocent people

☆ pride befriends those who agree with everything they say, rather than being teachable as humility is

☆ pride has huge (& at times unrealistic) expectations of others, but avoids personal responsibility

☆ pride is demanding

☆ pride fails to appreciate others assistance and generosity

☆ pride is two-faced, pretending to care about others in front of an audience, whilst stabbing them in the back in secret

☆ pride blames others when they fail or fall

☆ pride is fake (actions speak louder than words)

The devil will do his best to pull us down. In every challenge we have a choice to let him, or to allow God to work in us. I know I’ve learnt my own lessons about pride through different things that the devil has tried to trip me up with. 

I want to encourage you that we have the ultimate victory through Christ Jesus our Lord.

If you want to read more about this and how to safeguard yourself, check out James 4:7-11 and Ps 119:9.

A girl growing through His grace xx

Scripture references: The Holy Bible (several translations)

Photo credit: Tom Skarbek-Wazynski https://stocksnap.io/photo/VJNC7UU3TS

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