Pride

By Tommy Tucker

"In their pride
the wicked do not
seek him, in all
their thoughts
there is no room
for God."
Psalms 10:4

t the church I attend we refer to our communion service as “Facedown”. During a recent “Facedown” service, our pastor welcomed all who felt the need/calling to come to the cross and kneel and pray. Now I felt the calling to do so, but let my pride get in the way. What would those who aren't kneeling think of me? I really don't know why that was a concern, but it was enough to hold me back.

Recently I found myself making a cup of coffee. Like most people I have a routine for everything, including making my cup of coffee. Half way into this act I felt an immediate need to go pray. I really wanted to finish making this coffee, but quickly decided not to argue with God.

I usually get on my knees to pray only when it is a special prayer request, however, this time I humbly got on my knees and prayed a prayer of simple thanks for the many blessings God has granted me in my life. So after my prayer of thanks, I was hit with a ton of bricks. I will humble myself in my private home, but will not do so in public.

In Mathew 10:32-34 Jesus tells us "Whoever publicly acknowledges me I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever publicly disowns me I will disown before my Father in heaven."

The bible teaches us in many places about the evils of pride. In Psalms 10:4 "In their pride the wicked do not seek him, in all their thoughts there is no room for God." Proverbs 11:2 "When pride comes then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 16:18-19 "Pride goes before destruction a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed, than to share plunder with the proud."

In John 13:4-17, Jesus taught us true humility by washing his disciples feet. How humiliating that must have been, Jesus the son of God, washing someone’s feet. Yet many of us won't practice small acts of humility, toward God. We let pride get in the way of our everyday relationships, and in my case allow pride to get in between me and God.