Do you know one thing God opposes? (part 1)

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

Bible has much to talk about the dangers of pride. The first sin originated in the universe was nothing other than pride. God opposes the proud behaviors at all levels but gives grace to those who are humble.

The Bible speaks about this in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14:12-18. The pride of Lucifer, who was the signet of perfection. He was full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Every precious stone covered him, the sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, Jasper, sapphire, emerald, carbuncle, and crafted in gold. He was the anointed guardian cherub. He was in the holy mountain of God. As a worship leader, he was all musical instruments in himself. However, his heart became proud because of his beauty, wisdom, and splendor. Due to pride in his heart, he said he would ascend to heaven and set his throne on high and make himself like the Most High God. God punished him and brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. The dangerous pride entered into the heart of Lucifer. It caused him much. God threw him down, and he became the devil, and a group of his loyal angels followed him, and they became the demons. Here is the beginning of the devil and demons, the Bible reveals.

Then the devil was in the garden of Eden, pumping pride into our first parent’s hearts. He said they could become like God. As he injected pride into their hearts, the first parents and their posterity fell in sin. He still pumps pride into people’s hearts and leads them to destruction.

As I alluded before, the Bible has much to talk about pride. Listen to some of the warnings of this grievous sin that God hates.

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18).
“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.” (Proverbs 29:23).
“I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” (Proverbs 8:13)
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
“The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5)
“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” (Isaiah 5:21)
“Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12).

Beloved, the Bible uses strong languages against pride. Why? It elevates self and dishonors God. God hates it. Do you know God becomes an enemy of a prideful person because the Bible says God opposes the proud and arrogant people? God is looking for humility and humbleness to provide His wonderful grace, mercy, and blessings lavishly. 1 Peter 5 instructs to clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, just because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Then it says Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you. If we are prideful, God opposes us and does not care for us. However, if we humble ourselves and long for His grace and mercy, He lavishes these and exalts us because he cares for the humble.

In today’s culture around us, we daily witness pride and arrogance: prideful talk, prideful look, prideful talk, prideful lifestyles. Devil injects pride in people because he wants to get as many people in his group as and drive them to eternal hell, which God had already prepared for Him. He knew his future is in hell, and he wants to get as many people with him on the way.

Beloved, pride comes at a high cost. Pride prevents the man from acknowledging God, His word, admit their sins and wrongdoings, and thus becomes impossible to receive God’s love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Pride destroys families, friendships, and businesses on an everyday basis. Choose humility and grace instead of pride. God offers forgiveness, mercy, and love in and through His Son, Jesus Christ, who died, buried, and risen again for all of our sins. Shake off the pride and choose God’s grace and mercy in humility. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Prideful talk, actions, and behavior of the spiritual leaders are especially detestable in the sight of the Lord. We will see more in the next daily insight.

The good and most rewarding thing is this- the Lord offers forgiveness when we confess this dangerous sin in our life. Those who would not confess this for whatever reason would be accountable to God. Saul, the first king of Israel, gives an example of this truth.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, thank you for talking to me today. Please forgive my pride and arrogance that prevented God’s mercy, grace, forgiveness, love, and blessings. I humble myself and honor you, God. I accept Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as my savior and Lord. I believe He died, buried, and rose again for my sins. Please save me today, and I thank you and worship you. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”