“I would never…”

“That happens to other people…”

“Thank God I’m not like that…”

“If that were me, I would…”

Have you ever spoken these words? I cringe just thinking about times in my life I have had similar thoughts. Over the years God has shown me the grievous sin of pride in my life. Today, He continues to remind me. It is pride that whispers, “I would never.” It is pride that says, “Thank God I’m not like that…” And it is the pride of life that without fail brings about destruction (Proverbs 16:18). This is why we are warned to not think more highly of ourselves than we ought.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith, Romans 12:3.

Am I above any sin? Isn’t this sinful flesh capable of anything? Couldn’t I fall just as easily as David, a man after God’s own heart, did – or even Abraham the friend of God? I believe so; we are all susceptible to falling into sin. But notice I said “falling.” Christians do not commit sin deliberately or consistently. It is against our new nature. As the Prince of Preachers said, “Sin murdered Christ; will you be a friend to it? Sin pierced the heart of the Incarnate God; can you love it?” No, as children of God we do not love sin. We hate everything about it. And we tremble at the slightest thought of committing deliberate sin. We do, however, fall into sin on occasion and it is wise to remember just how easy it is.

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall, 1 Corinthians 10:12.

It is for this reason we need one another. We need accountability.

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

But in this, let us never become prideful……

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself, Galatians 6:1-3.

A person who does not understand their own character can easily be deceived.

In truth, the better we know our own hearts, the more compassionate we are with others. The better we know our own hearts, the more on guard we are against sin. The better we know our own hearts, the more we trust in God alone. God resisteth the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Help me, dear Lord, to be humble. I need Your grace. Help me to hate even the smallest amount of pride in my life. Help me Lord to understand how sinful I am and how righteous and holy You are. And may I never forget that self-conceit is but self-deceit.

“For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself…..”