Tag: Pride

Look At Me!!!

Psalm 44:8

What has the world become? In times past, men and women functioned very differently than today. The father would typically provide for the family, while the mother turned the house into a home. Children were disciplined in the home, and in turn, were usually well-behaved in public. Modesty was common in the dress code of men, women, and children, and rarely would anyone feel comfortable enough to expose their body in public places. Sadly, the rise of social media has changed our society forever! Not a day goes by, where people aren’t seeking attention, by either exposing their bodies, or doing something unusual with their cell phone camera.

Why do so many people seek attention these days? Well, I’m glad you asked. The main reason individuals yearn to be noticed is, they have absolutely no relationship with God the Father. When God is first in a person’s life, they’ll no doubt place His desires above their own. Another reason people freely expose their personal business on social media is, they lack self-respect, and need the approval of others to feel relevant. What a shame. God made everyone wonderfully, and that alone should make all people feel appreciated. Unfortunately, modesty, humility, and self-control were placed to the side when Facebook, Twitter, Tick Tock, and Instagram became prominent social media outlets.

While it’s not uncommon for “worldly” folk to be drawn to such selfish desires, it’s sad when those who claim to be “Christians” are found yearning to get views on their social media platforms. The body of Christ was commanded to be holy, and that includes all conversation and communication. What you say from your lips, or type on a phone or computer, will be a representation of what you believe. If you claim to be righteous, but post unholy videos, then your claims are false. If you gossip, lie, or support unethical media, then you are just as bad as those who post it. As becoming Saints, we must keep ourselves separate from all things ungodly, and unhealthy. The world is expected to seek attention, as satan did when pride consumed him in heaven, but the church of the living God, should never be partakers of such unholy behaviors.

The Bible tells us to make our boast in the Lord. In other words, brag on God for being the creator of life, and sustaining all things in it. As frail humans, we should never allow ourselves to think highly of anything we do, because at any moment, sickness, tragedy, or any other unfortunate thing could occur. God is the only one who deserves attention, and the glory we place in ourselves, should be redirected toward heaven.

Avoid The Shame

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

After creating His most wonderful masterpiece, in His own image and likeness, God knew that soon after man was tainted by sin, he would begin to harbor thoughts more higher of himself than he ought to. God created mankind, not to elevate themselves more than that which pleases the Father, but to walk in humility, so that each member of the family of God, could hear and obey clear instructions on how they are expected to live.

From the time of Adam and his family to now, mankind has become more corrupt, and the mere thought of humility is barely even seen amongst those who claim to be Christians. Fortunately, these times are not surprising to God, nor were they in times past, as He knew they would manifest, so in order to naturally keep men under the subjection of His way of thinking, He allows for foolish things to confound those who are full of earthly wisdom, and has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty in the eyes of men. To confound someone could also be translated as to dishonor, disgrace, or put them to shame.

God loves the world so much, that not only did He give His only Son to save it, but He will continually prove His love by trying to get stubborn men’s attention, even if it embarrasses them. Believe it, or not, there are men walking the earth who think they are the BOMB, when in all actuality, they are no more potent than those little white firecrackers you throw on the ground, that make a little “pop” sound. High-minded, and haughty individuals are in no way capable of carrying the message of the Gospel, nor are they worthy to receive God’s promises, because these persons operate in pride, and 100 percent of men who live with pride in their hearts, always meet an unfortunate, and unfavorable end. If you don’t believe me, look back through history, and you’ll discover that men in biblical times, and most recent, who put themselves before God, never fulfilled what God had predestined for their lives.

Mankind was made to live holy, acceptable, and pleasing lives to God, and while this truth may seem boring or uneventful to some, when a man truly tastes and discovers how amazing God is, they’ll never want to delve into their wicked, and unprofitable past behaviors again. A real God-experience causes the heart of a man to change. If you were once haughty, God can change you to be humble. In those times you may have puffed yourself up to gain the praise of men, but when God touched you, you decided to turn the spotlight away from yourself, and directly toward God.

Walk daily in humility, to avoid being shamed by God, and to always be in the right posture and position, to receive all of His good benefits.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

The Unpopular Gospel

Matthew 10:16-23

Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ has never been popular in the world. Since the days of the disciples, even now, men have chosen to go after the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, rather than submit themselves to the authority of God. Knowing that the world will always reject the Word of God, presents problems for those who make attempts to deliver it. Jesus warned His disciples, as they went out to preach, they’d no doubt suffer persecution, because those who were actually supposed to support them, were only using religion to gain status, and relevance among men. The message of the Gospel goes against the selfish doctrines men set as the authority during the time of Christ. But, Christ knew it would not be easy for His disciples to be accepted, and forewarned them of their inevitable opposition.

Majority of biblical events happened for a certain people, and a particular time, but this text can be applied to our day, as there are stark similarities in how Jesus described the people back then, to how men are today. Men who preached the Bible according to God’s command, were never accepted by the wolves who lurked in assemblies, seeking only to make profit off the people of God. Despite how impactful the Spirit of God works through a man, it’ll never penetrate the heart of someone unwilling to repent. The message of the Gospel also caused divisions in families, because while some had a heart to follow after righteousness, others loved darkness, rather than light. Jesus continued to warn His disciples how they would be hated by the world, but for His name’s sake, and if they endured to the end, they would be saved.

A true messenger of God will not deliver words to make a person feel good. Instead, they’ll try hard to convince all who are gathered in their midst, that the Word of God is true, sin separates men from God, and salvation is mandatory, in order to see the Lord in peace. Out of all the words that spew from a man’s lips, if his intentions are focused more on profit and prosperity, rather than soul salvation, then he’s more likely a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Rich And Righteous

Job 1:1-5

In times of plenty, it’s easy to get caught up in the abundance of our wealth and possessions, to the point where we forget who’s ultimately responsible for giving us increase. God is the source of all our needs and supplies, so when He blesses us, it’s only right that we humble ourselves, and seek Him the more. Not only does the world take issue with those who are wealthy and righteous, but satan also keeps a very close eye on those who serve God faithfully, while not allowing their wealth to change them.

Our text introduces Job, a man from the land of Uz (which was located south of Edom and west of Arabia), who was considered perfect and upright, and was known as the greatest of all the men of the east. Job was the ideal example of how to remain humble, while living with wealth. Job never allowed his possessions to possess him, as he continued to do those things that pleased God. Job was also blessed to have ten children, who gathered often to enjoy each other’s presence. As a good father should, Job kept his children covered in prayer, and would often make sacrifices to God, on their behalf, in case they may have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Although salvation must be received according to God’s standard, there’s nothing wrong with a parent bringing their children to God, in prayer, knowing He’ll keep them covered and safe, long enough for them to eventually give their hearts to Him.

Many of those who are familiar with the story of Job are aware of the events that occur in the upcoming verses, but it’s good to know that God can still be praised above all, no matter how blessed you are with material wealth.

If God were to bless you abundantly, would you allow your increase to change the way you serve Him? Would you get so consumed in buying things you couldn’t afford before, or spend your days traveling to different countries, while forgetting that God blesses you, so that you can bless others? Well, some may actually get the opportunity to live in this life with abundant increase, but be warned, the more God blesses you, the more humble you should become. As Job was obedient to God while being rich and righteous, make sure you keep yourself submitted to the will of God, when He trusts you with more than enough.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

ELL

The Wages Of Sin

2 Kings 24:20-25:7

Since the beginning of time, nothing good has ever been birthed from acts of rebellion. When Cain went against the instructions of God, not only was he cursed, but the very grounds from which he prepared and cultivated, would no longer produce sufficient crops. Aaron and the children of Israel rebelled against God, even after witnessing some of the greatest miracles ever recorded in Scripture. Thus, they were not permitted to enter the land of promise. When we refuse to follow God’s simple and easy instructions, we literally cut ourselves off from receiving His divine protection, direction, and provision. Sin and disobedience are deterrents, that keep us from walking in obedience to God, and adds unnecessary distance between us and our intended purpose.

God made a plan for everyone, and if followed obediently, all things will be aligned accordingly, but when we sin, we push ourselves further away from where God intended our lives to be. In essence, “sin wastes time that we can never recover”. Acts of sin have consequences, and although God’s intentions are to bless, He can’t embrace and inhabit unholy temples.

Our text continues with the foretelling of Jerusalem’s captivity. God warned the king that if he swallow his pride and submit to Babylon, he and his family would live. Unfortunately, king Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon, causing his sons to be slain before his very eyes, and his own eyes to be plucked out, completing the judgment of God upon Judah.

Many view God as being unfair, harsh, and insensitive, but God is holy, and demands obedience from His people. Like a good parent, who expects their children to follow the standard they establish in their home, God wants His children to follow after His righteous standard. When we refuse to do that which is right, we will first be chastised, because God loves us too much to merely allow us to perish, without being given a chance to change. But, if we continue down the path of rebellion, God’s judgment won’t be too far behind.

I’m totally convinced, it hurts God to see His people suffer at the hands of evil men, but it grieves His heart more when we deliberately disobey the simple commands He set before us. Put yourself in God’s shoes; if you created men in your image, and prepared a wonderful end for all of them, would your heart hurt to see them go after other things, instead of you?

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Bow To No Man

Esther 3:1-6

As I study the Scriptures, I try to gain greater understanding of even the most simplest verses. Just because you read something a few times, doesn’t mean that God can’t reveal more revelation from that same text. I found the same to be true, as I meditated on this lesson.

There are countless things God freely gives His people, including love, joy, peace, strength, sanity, and provision, but I learned there’s one thing God will never give to another (especially not to any graven image), and that’s His glory. All glory belongs to God, and when men attempt to take glory upon themselves, they usually end up going through a season of humility. In our society, we praise and give glory to men, as if they are celestial beings, gathered around the throne of God. We stand, applaud, cheer, and treat mortal men and women, better than we honor God. That’s insane! A man can do no more for you, than what his heart will allow Him to, and most men these days are so full of themselves, until they thrive off the glory you bestow upon them.

Men with titles in churches, politicians, and even athletes, are viewed as high priority, while laymen and fans are to acknowledge their high esteem. Well, I show respect to those who deserve it, but I’ll never kiss a man’s behind, no matter who He is. Only God deserves my glory, and all my praise goes up to Him. It matters not if you’re a military general, doctor, or the president of the United States of America, I’ll never give a man the reverence that’s due to the God of all creation.

In our text, Mordecai experienced an uncomfortable situation, when he was frowned upon for not bowing to a newly appointed leader of the princes of king Ahasuerus. Haman hated the Jews, and his hatred grew more intense when he discovered that Mordecai refused to bow to him. Men who harbor burning desires to be exalted over others, are usually met with an unpleasant end. Haman was full of wrath, until he plotted to not only kill the man of God, but he sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.

Pride and haughtiness has caused men to conjure the most brutal and horrific plots, since the beginning of time, and Haman allowed his “bigheadedness” to push his thoughts beyond the realm of morality. If you were in Mordecai’s position, would you bow to a man who sought only to swell his head from your praise? Would you risk your life, and the lives of those you love, to go against what you believe? Although it’s scary, at times, to stand for God, if you remain bold, God will ALWAYS show up, and rescue you, before the enemy has a chance to wipe you out.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Pride Of Life

Luke 11:42-44

Pride embodies the characteristics of an individual, who knowingly ignores just actions, and a righteous attitude, in order to satisfy self-righteous motives and desires. Pride inevitably leads to arrogance, which causes many to promote their own abilities and concerns above everyone else’s. Over time, arrogance takes the form of high-mindedness, haughtiness, and disrespect. At this point, an individual is beyond reproach, and have settled into a hardened state of hypocrisy. All actions and behaviors that proceed from a hypocrite, will never prove beneficial to anyone, except themselves.

The most prominent group of hypocrites Jesus encountered often were, the Pharisees. These men preached false doctrines, that caused many innocent souls to waver from faith in God. They took pride in appearing relevant and well-respected to crowds, by giving consistent tithes, sitting in higher seats in synagogues, and meandering through the markets, only to bask in the praise and greetings of the people. Rather than seek vain glory, or appear righteous before men, the Pharisees should have focused more on their neglect for judgment, and the love of God. This religious group knew right from wrong, as well as what God expected from them, yet they couldn’t separate themselves from the snares satan had them trapped in.

Turning from evil to good, requires a choice, followed by consistent righteous living. Although the Pharisees were known for their hypocrisy, they were given ample time to remove the evil from their hearts. God’s grace and mercy is still relevant today, and many have been given time to turn from evil, to good. Whether they decide to surrender their hearts to God, is based upon their choice. Death and life have been placed before all men, and I strongly suggest everyone choose life.

Walk in love,

Ell

All Puffed Up!

Isaiah 10:12-14

“By the strength of my hand I have done it…” (vs. 13a). Can you recall a time, when you puffed yourself up, to gain praise from men, then God quickly humbled you, before your head swelled too big to pop? I can think of multiple examples from my own experiences, when God politely humbled me, to prevent me from humiliating myself.

Pride sucks, because it reveals that your true intentions are to take the glory that belongs to God, all for yourself. Some truly believe, that because they have the ability to do a thing, it’s justified, by default, simply because they can do it, but according Colossians 3:23, everything we do on this earth, we are to “do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men”. I’ll give you 37 seconds, to think of one thing you can accomplish, without God’s help (playing the Jeopardy tune in the background). Have you thought of something yet? Probably not, because there’s not one thing man can do, except God allow it. For example, if God borrowed the breath He breathed into you for a few days, what would happen to your physical body? Yeah, now you’re beginning to see my point.

God created man with amazing skills, talents and special abilities, that are all to be used to fulfill His purposes in the earth, but when we start to toot our own horns for things God was responsible for, there will always come a season of “straightening”. “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2 KJV).

God is fixed on getting the best out of His children, and causing their light to shine bright amongst men, but seeking to outshine the God of all creation, places one in the same category as satan, when he was in heaven. When we value and appreciate who we are in God, we’ll spend less time focusing on self, and more time contemplating how to make others better.

Walk in love,

Ell