Scripture Text: "When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom." - Proverbs 11:2 (KJV)
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Welcome to THE LIVING BREAD, it's another winning day for you.
Today we will be talking about a crucial topic: THE ANTIDOTE TO PRIDE.
The Bible isn't just any sort of book, it is the wisdom of God in scripts, it shows us the kingdom ways for our profitable living here on Earth.
Through the scripture I found out that pride is often the foundation of all sin. It is a subtle way but yet a very destructive force, that can lead us apart from God and also greatly impede our relationship with others.
If we study the Scripture, we will find numerous warnings against pride, and the caution to rather cultivate the virtue of humility.
The question is, how can we overcome pride? How do we live in humility as children of God?
The scripture text today (Proverbs 11:2) shows us some valuable insights into the consequences of pride and the benefits that comes with humility.
This text teaches the believer that, if we allow pride to find its way into our hearts disgrace will be nearer to us.
Usually what the enemy does is to get us blind to our own faults due to pride, which leads us to compare ourselves favorably to other fellows.
Also, pride fosters an attitude of self-sufficiency, and this would often result in relational conflicts, growth opportunities would often elude you, and most likely you fall from grace.
On the other hand, humility is praised for its wisdom. Those who are humble would always recognize their dependence on God and acknowledge their limitations.
Such individual is quick to extend grace to others, seek reconciliation in relationships, and prioritize the needs of others above their personal need.
This virtue opens the door to deeper intimacy with God and it encourages healthy, authentic connections with the people around us.
Now, let's see how we can overcome pride and also, cultivate the attitude of humility in our lives.
Here are a few practical steps:
1. Prayerful Reflection
You should find some time to examine your heart and ask God to reveal any areas of pride or self-centeredness in your life.
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee." - Proverbs 23:7
What you must do is to Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you, by transforming your attitudes and behaviors.
2. Practice Gratitude
Develop an attitude of gratitude by regularly recognizing God's goodness and blessings in your life. " In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
Gratitude helps to shift our focus from ourselves to God and others, fostering humility in our hearts.
3. Learn To Serve Others
You should look out for opportunities to serve and be a blessing to other brethren without seeking recognition or praise.
Jesus set the leading example of humility by washing the feet of His disciples, we see that in the John's account of Jesus' ministry ( see John 13:1-17), where he was demonstrating to them that true greatness is found only in serving others.
4 . Practice Active Listening
Be intentional about listening to others with empathy and humility. Also, seek by all means to understand their perspectives on things, even if they differ from yours.
The Bible says, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" - James 1:19
The reason is that, when you value others' input and experiences, you demonstrate humility in your interactions.
5. Receive Correction Gracefully
When you are faced with feedback or correction of a mistake, you must develop the ability to resist the urge to become defensive or prideful.
You should instead, humbly consider the certainty of the feedback and use it as an opportunity for your growth and self-improvement.
The Bible says, "Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die." -' Proverbs 15:10 o
Moreover, overcoming pride is an ongoing journey, that requires humility, self-awareness, and reliance on God's grace.
When we relinquish our prideful tendencies to God, He will empower us to walk in humility, wisdom, and love, thereby reflecting the character of our humble Savior -Jesus Christ.
PRAYER KEY POINTS
Father, IJN: I thank you for your life-building word of today. Thank you for taking me to the point of conformity with your son Jesus.
Father, IJN: Let your Spirit according to your word be my lead, so that I don't fulfill the will of the flesh.
Father, IJN: I request that every attitude of pride in my life melt now as wax before the fire.
COMMIT TO MEMORY
"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit." - Proverbs 29:23
FURTHER READING
Romans 12:16, 1 Peter 5:5, Luke 14:11, Jeremiah 9:23-24
ASSIGNMENT
You should commit to walking in humility each day, by trusting in God's grace to guide and transform you from inside - out.
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