There is a stumbling block that will sneak up on us if we are not careful. PRIDE!

This enemy of our flesh pride, sneaks up on us when we least expect it.

It starts out with thoughts of  "Look how the Lord is using you"

Then it graduates, to, I am really special, because people are looking to me for answers.

Some of this is normal for us Christians, we are to expect the Lord to use us in others lives. And we are to be available to help lead them to a greater understanding  of freedom in Jesus. But always pointing to the Lord and not us.

Where we cross the line, is when we think we are doing something, instead of the Holy Spirit just using us to help others.

Pride: is over-estimating self, and under-estimating others.

Proverbs 28:25-26
He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered. (That's every area of your life)

2Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

1Peter 5:5-6
Likewise you younger people ,submit yourselves to your elders. Yes all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

Due time, is when the Lord knows that you are ready and will not walk in pride.

Prideful people won't listen to others and they want to argue about everything, because they believe that they have all the answers. 

None of us have all the answers, but, Praise God the Holy Spirit does.

We are to be totally dependent on the Lord, and never of ourselves. It is God who works in us, both to will and do His good pleasure.

Beloved, guard your heart from this enemy of your flesh.
If you catch yourself having to prove you are right, back off.  Think about the anger and strife that will follow.
And the wounds you could cause when a younger believer doesn't understand yet.
God was and is patient with you, so you be patient with others, and don't be prideful.

Then the Lord has to allow you to fall flat on your face.  To show you that you are to be humble, not proud.

Proverbs 16:18-20
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 
Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. He who heeds  the word wisely will find good,  and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. 

Beloved, if you sense yourself falling into this trap, starting with the thought, that you have to prove yourself right, back off, think and pray.  It is not fun to take a fall.

God wants to use you, but He also wants you to be in the right spirit. One that knows you can do nothing without the Lord. Nothing of any great value for the body of Christ.

So, since it is Spring, time,  do some heart checking up and cleaning. Let the water of the word of God, wash your thoughts. Ask yourself, am I argumentative? Do I have to prove I am right all the time? Is this enemy of Pride sneaking up on me?

Especially those of us in ministry, we have to do a spiritual check-up often. Allow the Holy Spirit to show us any area of danger to our spirit. Be pliable. Be humble!

God bless your day
Jesus loves you

Love in Jesus
Joy


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