Pride...

This one sin is most ugly. Hiding behind every other sin, it rests quietly in the shadows of my being, never accused, never repented of. Which is easier, to blame that which brought about the temptation, or to blame the sinful nature that allowed temptation to mature? i.e. myself. Pride is so ugly because it's so not very obvious.

When I'm afraid of what other people will think or say; pride.
When I'm insulted by the way someone treated me; pride.
When I begin to think that I'm better than somebody else; pride.
When I'm impressed by my own spirituality; pride.
When I think I know more than you, so I don't even bother to listen; pride.
When I think I can have victory over sin, without the help of God; PRIDE.

The last two I experience this week in bad ways. I did not want to listen to the wisdom of a friend because I had previously read this bible passage, I knew what he was talking about and where he was going with the conversation. Looking back on what he had to say, and what happened next in my life, I really should have paid more attention.

It is even more deceitful because it can effect every area of our life. I often only think of pride in the form of anger and spitefulness towards God usually expressed in people we call atheist. But what about the pride within the gates of religion? Remember the Romans who abused grace and used it as a means to sin more? This was centered around pride. How about the way we're not totally honest? Or perhaps when we come to church with nice clothes and a fake smile plastered on our faces? Or the way we talk more about our accomplishments, position and car we drive then we talk about our struggles and our hardships? Pride keeps us from being the people God wants us to be.

Father, I confess this sin to You. And I ask most sincerely that You help me recognize it and forsake it. When I stand without You, I fall. When I fall before You, You help me stand. Jesus I want to live Your way, I need Your help. Please guide me, Amen.