Pride or Humility?

We all take personal pride in things we accomplish. You may well be the greatest in your field, and there is nothing wrong to feel good about what you have done, it is when you allow it to overwhelm you above what you really are. The Bible specifies in Philippians 2:3, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves." The apostle Paul stated he could boast about many things, but would not do so--then went on to say, "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord".  The Proverb declares that pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall. Pride is mentioned as one of the signs of the last days, whereby men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, unthankful... (2 Tim. 3:2).

Pride is most evident in many venues today. Athletes in sporting events display pride in various ways and the public spectacle they radiate is emulated by the younger wannabe sport enthusiast in their particular sporting genre. Not to mention the nations who no longer hold to God as their protector, but rely upon their great might of accumulated weapons, or the proud parades that now grace many nations of the world today.

The Bible says, "God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble." "Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up." Jesus said in Matthew 23:12, "Whosoever shall exalt (pride) himself shall be brought low, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."

The signs abound everywhere that the last days have arrived. Soon the man of sin (pride); the Antichrist, will deceptively appear on the scene. The wrath of God shall suddenly come upon the world as a snare, when they least expect it (as occurred on 9/11). The sand in the upper chamber of the hourglass is about to empty its last few grains into the lower hourglass chamber. Will you be ready when the trumpet sounds its alarm and the shout goes out to the wise virgins - "The Bridegroom Cometh" - "The Bridegroom Cometh". Will you say right now -- "My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad." - (Ps. 34:2)

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. - (1 Peter 5:6)