By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi
"And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost." Acts 12:20-23 KJV
Happiness is a word used interchangeably with joy in the scriptures and true joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit and is given to those who obey God.
In acts 12 king Herod was struck by an Angel because of pride , he took the glory that was meant for God only . Some reasons for pride includes intellectual achievements ( 1 Tim6:3-4, Eve demonstrated pride while seeking knowledge Gen3:16 .
Social position or exaltation is another reason for pride amongst many . Promotion should be driven by a desire to serve not to be served. This is the reason why novices should not be appointed into leadership positions in the church . The Bible says "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil." 1 Timothy 3:6 KJV . Testimonies of breakthroughs could also lead to pride . That's the idea behind church teachings about levels or sizes of God's grace in comparatives and superlatives . Grace does not exist in sizes : Jesus Christ is grace and he does not exist in sizes "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."Hebrews 13:8 KJV The concept of "anointing for speed " could be misleading , Uzziah became king at age 16 and was marvellously helped, till he was influential and this got into his head (2 Chronicles 26;15-16 ) he was punished for it .
Material abundance is another reason for pride . The Bible says " By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches:" Ezekiel 28:5 KJV Some persons abandon or change church like Judas abandoned Jesus Christ in his trying times , they neglect their families as soon as God prospers them because of pride . There are painful consequences for neglecting one's spiritual and physical family it was for this reason that Joseph could not find fulfilment despite his exalted position in Egypt until he reconciled with his family .
A false sense of security leads to pride , this happens when we have friends in high places especially the police or military. ( Psalm73:5-6) another reason for pride is beauty .The bible says Eze28:17 "Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee." Satan was thrown out of heaven because of pride from beauty . Beauty is very deceptive. Beauty does not translate to being wise therefore, we should open up to correction and be directed by God's word. Proud persons soon lose their beauty .
Pride is a sin ,not a virtue ( Pro 21:4, 1Jn 2:16) therefore, the fear of the lord is to hate pride ( Prov 8:13) . God alone deserves all the glory ( Acts 12:20-23, 1 Cor 10:31)
Pride makes us ignore and forget God ( Deut 8:14, Psalm 10:4) God resists and distances himself from the proud and instructs his anointed servants to do likewise ( Ps138:6, Jam4:6) . It is a blessing to be visited by an anointed minister of the gospel.
Pride makes us rebel against God's word ( Neh 9:6, 17,29) this is manifested in our hatred for teachers of God's word because they expose our pride. There is no place for the proud in God's kingdom . Pride is behind all of the chaos in the world.
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to serve in your vineyard in Jesus name.
+2348035536911 +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi @gmail.com
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