God And Pride Are Like Oil And Water
It has been called the sin from which all others arise.
Pride was the first sin to destroy the calm of eternity. It was pride that drove Lucifer from heaven, in Isaiah 14:12-14, we read of Lucifer's fall, he was so proud of his physical looks and his talents, he felt he should be worship like GOD.
"How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! … For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne … I will sit also upon the mount … I will ascend above the heights…I will be like the most High”.
Lucifer's pride blinded him to the fact that he was created by God, and all he was proud of, is not his but belong to the Most High God who has the power to take it away.
Satan's enmity against God began with the letter "I". He was so preoccupied with yourself. Pride is all about "me, myself, and I." One suffering from pride feels the world is centered around him/her. So even as the word "pride" is centered upon an "I," the sin itself is also centered upon "I."
God detests pride. He even hates a proud look (Prov. 6:16-17). God’s loathing of pride is unalterable, for “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD” (Prov. 16:5)
Another example of one who displayed pride is King Nebuchadnezzar, the Bible records that he was one of the most powerful monarchs' of Babylon, during his regime, Babylon was the largest city in the world. It has been estimated to have covered over 2,500 acres / 1,000 hectares, with the Euphrates River flowing through it.
The king had built a large and successful kingdom in Babylon and was proud of his accomplishments. He didn’t realize that the wealth he enjoyed was from God. Instead, he proudly paraded around the kingdom with the confidence of a mighty ruler.
Daniel 4 records his words like this: "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" Nebuchadnezzar looked out across the great city of Babylon and said in his pride, "Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?"
He failed to acknowledge that all the achievements are the handmade of God and not his.
Zechariah 4:6 - 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
In summary of the story, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which was interpreted by Daniel, the dream was a warming sign from God about the punishment that will befall him as a result of his pride but despite Daniel's horrific interpretation of the consequences, he took it for granted and boasted even more but in anger God punished him.
While the words were still in his mouth, a voice spoke from heaven, "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." And we read that at "that very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws."
Nebuchadnezzar became half human and half animal, he was also driven away to live in the forest with animals.
However, Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God, while away he repented and asked for forgiveness.
Daniel 4:34-37 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
GOD had mercy on him and restored him and made him whole.
The Creator never has and never will compromise with pride. God and pride are like oil and water, it can never mix.The Most High created all things and He is the great provider, this is why he is called JEHOVAH JIREH. He entrust people with wealth and authority, not for pleasure sake or for boastfulness but rather to serve. Every gift and good thing given to you is to be used to serve others, its given to you for the purpose to win souls for Christ.
We are our brother's keeper, all called to make an impact, to help humanity, to bring change, weep tears and not to take pride in what God has entrusted to us. For we are all stewards and will account for our stewardship to the Most High.
Pride can keep you from apologizing when you’ve been wrong. Pride can cause you to defend yourself always to avoid been blamed for anything. Pride can cause you to look down on others. If you allow it, pride can rob you of the most treasured relationships in life. “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife” (Prov. 28:25).
THERE WAS A STORY OF A YOUNG MAN AND A PASTOR: A young man responded at the invitation and told his pastor that he had come to rededicate his life to the Lord. The pastor replied, “Wonderful! Just kneel there at the pew and confess your sins to God.” To which the man replied, “Pastor, I can’t think of any sins to confess.” The pastor then said, “Son, just guess at it.” And you know what? The young man got it right on the first try! Pride is not just thinking we are better than others, it is thinking we are better than we are.
Those who built the Titanic pronounced the great ship unsinkable. With boldness and confidence they boasted of the great safety this vessel afforded. But on its maiden voyage the unsinkable ship sank. The Titanic mentality of invincibility sets the stage for collapse. “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty” (Prov. 18:12).
A truly successful life in God’s eyes is one fully devoted and obedient to Him. He calls us to die to “self” and to the selfish ambitions that we would rather cater too.
The beautiful part of King Nebuchadnezzar story, is that God never intended to destroy the king completely. He only intended to destroy his pride. God is always ready to forgive and restore.
The message of today teaches us that your talent, intellect, abilities, health, and life itself are gifts from God.
Cheers!!!
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