Pride vs Humility

How many of you struggle with pride?

Okay, I'm curious, did this question make you smirk and raise an eyebrow or did you find yourself nodding your head in agreement? Well if either is true, you are not alone! Many people struggle with letting go of pride, myself included.

Proverbs 11:2 NIV

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

James 4:1-6 NIV

vs 6 "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

James has to one of my favorite books in the Bible because it shows me what I need to work on, and how to submit myself to God by applying His word to my daily walk. When we are prideful it prevents us from receiving God's grace, so it's imperative that we reflect on our behavior often in order to remain humble.

What is grace? It's the unmerited favor and love of God.

For the past several months I have felt God tugging at my heart, urging me to change the patterns of my life. Romans 12:2 NIV "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." It can be overwhelming to think about because there are so many areas of my life that need changing. Can you relate?

Here is what needs to change, see if any of these resonate with you as well:

Physically

I have fallen back on a lot of bad habits, you know the lack of exercise, the poor eating habits and late nights which result in lack of good sleep. God calls us to take care of our bodies because they are the temple where He resides.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

"No temptation has seized you except hat is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

Spiritually

I have fallen back on excuses. You know, the excuse of why I am not following God's will (whether it's lack of confidence like Moses or I'm simply trying to justify my inconsistencies).

Luke 14:16-24 NIV

"Jesus replied: A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I am on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.' The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' 'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet."

Exodus 4:10-14 NIV

"Moses said to the Lord, “Oh Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue. The Lord said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what you to say.” But Moses said, “Oh, Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Then the Lord's anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you."

Emotionally

I have found myself remembering past hurts, which has prevented me from following God's will. God tells us specifically to forget what lies behind, so today I want to encourage you to have fresh eyes. Let's focus on God's goodness and the future He has in store for us!

Philippians 3:12-14 NIV

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

God calls each one of us to be humble servants, I pray you are encouraged and strengthened by His Word today!

Colossians 3:12 NIV

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Friends, allow God to transform you physically, spiritually, and emotionally, so that you are able to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. We CAN do this! We just need to take it one step at a time and trust that God will lead us!

Today, let's begin with fresh eyes, a new heart, and a loving Spirit, I hope you have a BLESSED day!

Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime