CLAY CENTER – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) There is good pride like when one puts forth their best effort to do an excellent job, or when a parent is proud of their child for displaying outstanding character in pressure filled situations. However, there is also an evil side to pride, where someone’s ego swells so massive that it becomes the cause of their own downfall. We have seen this too many times in politicians, athletes, actors, musicians, pastors and even in the common person on the street.

Not only can individuals have dangerous pride, but so can nations. There was once an ancient city that was an affluent and powerful force militarily, politically and economically. God said about them, “This is the exultant city that lived securely, that said in her heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else.’” (Zephaniah 2:15) These were dangerous words of pride, and Almighty God is an avenger toward it. For there is only one God and He will not tolerate any prideful competitors, albeit from mankind or other so-called gods.

How does God confront pride? With the weapon of humbleness. In His wisdom and sovereign power, He can patiently move to bring an entire nation or a single person to the end of themselves.

When God employs this strategy, to us it may appear as if chaos is breaking out everywhere. But to God He is strategically employing whatever is necessary to break our pride and humble us.

Global or national scenes can seem chaotic when wars break out, diseases are spreading, violent crime is increasing and morality, kindness and decency become the enemies of culture. And what about your own family or personal life when divorce hits or bankruptcy comes?

God said, “For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed.” (Zeph. 3:8) What makes God so angry? Pride! Because of mankind’s continuing stubborn and selfish pride, God in His anger at times, simply steps out of the way and gives people what they want. For governments, sometimes their own legislation and policies have brought chaos upon their own people. For families, sometimes their own moral and financial choices have brought chaos inside the walls of their own home. And unfortunately, innocent godly people have suffered because of the consequences of prideful people.

Why does God come against sinful pride? Jealousy. As you turn away from Him and toward other things, He becomes jealous for you. He wants you to turn toward Him, so He patiently stands with arms open wide, waiting for you. Yet in the meantime because you pridefully go after other things, violating His moral commands, wave after wave of chaos reigns down upon your life.

It does not need to be this way anymore! God’s ways are better than yours. He says, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save.” (Zeph. 3:17) Will you make Him your God today? In your pride you have lost much, but God says, “…when I restore your fortunes before your eyes…” (Zeph. 3:20) What your prideful disobedience has ruined, God can restore. He can restore an entire nation or just one family. Both are equally precious in His sight. Take hold of this promise!

Will you stop fighting against God? Will you stop running? Will you stop trusting in yourself? Turn to Him and live. This is why Jesus died and rose again. To provide you a clear path to a new life in Him.

A prayer for you – Lord God, let each person examine themselves and reveal if there be any selfish pride. Let them examine their lives and admit if there is any chaos of their own making. Then bring them to humble themselves before you and ask for mercy that you might forgive their sin and restore what disobedience has taken away. In Jesus’ name. Amen.     

Clint Decker is president of Great Awakenings. Share comment at cdecker@greatawakenings.org and follow his blog at clintdecker.blogspot.com.