BE WARNED! PRIDE IS DANGEROUS.

The wicked say to themselves, “God isn’t watching! He will never notice!” (Psalm 10:11). But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming (Psalm 37:13).

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of destruction—it leads to death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). There is an incompatibility between blind arrogance and the presence of God in our heart. The proud person depends on himself or herself rather than on God. This causes God’s guiding influences to leave his or her life. When God’s presence is welcome, there is no room for pride, because He makes us aware of our true self.

Pride leads to a hardness of heart, which, in turn, leads to an arrogant disregard of God and sin. Pride leads to ignoring God and a life of disobedience. It renders us blind to our own sin, distorts our view of ourself and others. It strengthens our position at the expense of others. It is selfish. It finds comfort in false security. It can destroy relationships faster than almost anything else because it is always taking away from others.

The Lord Jesus could have done greater miracles in Nazareth, but He chose not to because of the people’s pride and unbelief. The miracles He did had little effect on the people because they did not accept His message or believe that He was from God. Therefore, the Lord looked elsewhere, seeking those who would respond to His miracles and message (see Mark 6:1-13).

The only thing we are right to be proud of is what Christ has done in saving us from our sin and from death.

Seek the Lord now—today—while He may be found. Turn to Him and pray to Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake their way of life and change their way of thinking and turn to the Lord for mercy and pardon. The Lord is merciful and quick to forgive. His thoughts and ways are different from those of humans. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are the ways and thoughts of God above ours. Just as the rain and snow never fail to water the earth, so the promises of God's word never fail to come to pass and to accomplish His promises (Isaiah 55:6-11).

God's word is powerful and effective. It is alive and active, sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before His eyes. And it is to Him that we must all give an account of ourselves (Hebrews 4:12, 13).

Let the wicked "repent" today—"forsake" your sinful ways and thoughts and "turn" to the Lord for help—and it shall be well with your soul. Blessings!!!

FIX YOUR ATTENTION ON THE ONE WHO LEADS US TO SALVATION—JESUS CHRIST

PRIDE LURES US INTO LIVING INDEPENDENTLY OF GOD