Pedestal of Pride

8-8-2012 by Boyd Bailey “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” 1 Corinthians 10:12 A pedestal of pride looks down on other inferior souls. It is a position of self-worship that threatens integrity and influence. Like a drug, pride is addictive and impairs good judgment. If it could be packaged as a pill in a prescription bottle the label would read, “Warning, taken too often in large doses may lead to a great fall, even death.” If we build a monument in our minds to ourselves, we are on a pedestal of pride. This self-imposed idolatry acts like a King or Queen that expects blind loyalty and unquestionable submission to everyone under his or her authority. If we don’t wake up from this narcissistic dream it will turn into a hellish nightmare. Relationships will be wrecked, reputations will be ruined and respect will be absent from those who mean the most. “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:12 However, a prayerful posture dethrones pride and replaces it with humility. By faith, Jesus is able to storm the gates of hell, take captive the enemy and release us from the prison of pride. The Lord lifts us out of the slimy pit of pride and sets us on His solid rock of righteousness. It is firm, because our feet are planted solid on the ground of grace. Thus, we are careful to see ourselves as God sees us: needy and dependent on His Spirit. You will stand firm by faith in Christ and trust that He is in control. Let go and let God make you whole. Let go and the Lord will take you further faster. Let go and Christ will make you content. Let go and the Spirit will show you the way. Let go and Jesus will give you joy. Let go of pride, replace it with humility, and you will stand firm by faith. Pride has no place in the personality of a child of God. You are the result of grace alone. “Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.” 2 Corinthians 1:24 Prayer: Heavenly Father, remove any pedestals of pride in my life and replace them with Your humble heart. Related Readings: 1 Samuel 17:42; Psalm 18:27; Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 13:11; Romans 12:16