Pride's the Thing

The Bible's Old Testament may be old, but it's also historical in nature, and good for us to know and understand. When we read it, we see that many of the same issues plaguing the people 3000 years ago haven't been solved. They've cycled through to become issues again, and again.

In response to the prophet Isaiah telling him that his sons and everything in his kingdom will be taken away by an enemy, King Hezekiah says: "'The Word of the Lord is good.' For he thought, 'Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?'" - 2 Kings 20:19

A leader who doesn't care about his people, or a father who is unconcerned with the welfare of his children, who doesn't seem to care about whether or not future generations will have a land to live in because everything is fine right this second...is committing the oldest sin in The Book.

Hezekiah didn't commit adultery. He didn't steal. He didn't kill. He was a faithful king derailed by...pride. The wisdom of Proverbs 16:18 - "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

Pride's the thing that keeps you from celebrating other achievements and victories of other people, keeps you from admitting you need help or apologize when you're wrong, gets in the way of doing the greater good, and is easy to see in somebody else, but almost impossible to see in the mirror.

Don't get sucked in or stuck in this self-serving sin. You don't have all the answers, and this world isn't all about you. To lead a God-pleasing, caring-for-others life, seek the counsel of others, and the abiding wisdom of the Ancient Words: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God...casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:6-7