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The following comes from the devotional book “What Now?” by Ashley Akers. To learn more, go to www.whatnowdevo.com.
Pride
I struggle with pride from time to time. The Lord has given me talents and abilities and when that is mixed with my “A” type personality, the result can be pride.
In the past I had confidence that I had it all together, but when I messed up I danced around the topic because I could never admit it. The fault belonged to someone else and never me. I thought that tearing down others would result in me looking better. I was puffed up. I couldn’t admit defeat because I thought that would be viewed by others as weakness. I was wrong. This is what God has taught me:
Proverbs 16:18,
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
James 4:6,
But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Have you ever been so prideful that you thought you were invincible and no one could touch you? You will eventually fall in one of two ways: Hurtful destruction or humble repentance. When you repent, you are recognizing God’s grace and how much you need Him. You can’t fall when you are already on your face before God!
Philippians 2:3 shows us one way to humility.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
This verse isn’t saying you should put yourself down. You are valued by God. It means that you should lay aside your selfish pride and treat others respectfully. Pride prevents you from having strong relationships where you can know people on a deeper level. When you are filled with pride, there is no room for anyone else—especially God.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:5:
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Meekness is not weakness. It is strength under control. Admitting you are wrong can seem scary, but it will show you how much God’s grace is needed because no one is perfect! This lifts God up, not ourselves. It is scarier to remain filled with pride and unable to grow spiritually.
John 3:30 says,
He must increase, but I must decrease.
The high position of worship belongs to God alone. Worship is recognizing God for Who He is as you decrease. Insecurities fade as you fulfill your purpose through worship. When I started lifting God higher, things began to change. My pride was forced to decrease. I grew closer to God, was able to admit when I was wrong, began extending grace to others and became less likely to criticize or condemn.
Reflection Questions
- In what area of your life do you struggle with pride?
- Is there a person who you wronged that needs an apology from you? Who and why?
Copyright © 2025 by Ashley Akers @ whatnowdevo.com. No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org