I really get upset when I see a couple of things: someone proud of their piety, and someone who likes to be pretentious.
Pride is such a subtle thing. I've dealt with pride, I still do. It's almost as if the only reason why seeing pride in others upsets me is because I am uncomfortable then with myself.
I've been pretentious too. It's just another form of pride.
But God has shown me these things that I am this way, and He has humbled me through affliction, hard times and weaknesses. Everybody is terribly insecure. That need to feel accepted and praised by others comes from insecurity, and fear is a result. Pride is the game plan most people use to actively work against fear.
But when God shows us how utterly hopeless we are, there is nothing left to be proud about. He utterly brings down the proud until they are ashamed of their depravity. Then God has a person He can work with.
What then does God do? Instead of leaving us in our ashes, He offers to love us. The person who thinks he sees goes blind, and is moved to ask Jesus to regain his sight. God is merciful.
Pride is such a subtle thing. I've dealt with pride, I still do. It's almost as if the only reason why seeing pride in others upsets me is because I am uncomfortable then with myself.
I've been pretentious too. It's just another form of pride.
But God has shown me these things that I am this way, and He has humbled me through affliction, hard times and weaknesses. Everybody is terribly insecure. That need to feel accepted and praised by others comes from insecurity, and fear is a result. Pride is the game plan most people use to actively work against fear.
But when God shows us how utterly hopeless we are, there is nothing left to be proud about. He utterly brings down the proud until they are ashamed of their depravity. Then God has a person He can work with.
What then does God do? Instead of leaving us in our ashes, He offers to love us. The person who thinks he sees goes blind, and is moved to ask Jesus to regain his sight. God is merciful.
