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NOT A PROUD HEART (II)
MONDAY, JUNE 14
1 Timothy 3:1-6

2 Corinthians 12:6-10

 

“…lest being lifted up with pride
he fall into the condemnation

of the devil.”

 

NOT A PROUD HEART (II)
 
Pride is not a sin unique to the devil. The Apostle Paul issues this warning, that a “novice,” or new believer, should not be made an elder “lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil” (1 Tim 3:6). In other words, a new believer, raised unwisely to a position of great responsibility in the church, may find himself falling into the same sin for which the devil stands condemned.
 
The Apostle’s comparison really drives home the great peril of pride, and how easily we may fall into it. Merely being given a position of responsibility and authority, when we are not ready for it, is enough to put us in grave danger. How we need to guard our hearts, lest we be found “an abomination to the LORD” (Prov 16:5)!
 
How then can we defend ourselves against pride? We must take to heart the warning given to Baruch: “seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not” (Jer 45:5). This requires a dedicated and vigilant commitment to self-examination; and temperance regarding our desires, passions, and ambitions. We must learn to be aware of our motivations, and in control of our cogitations, so as to bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). The first stirrings of rebellion must quickly be quelled by a patient and deliberate submission to the will of God.
 
Finally, let us remember that in this great struggle against pride, the Lord  Himself often fights for us; although not in the way we might hope. It was God Himself who protected the Apostle Paul from pride, by permitting his affliction through “a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan,” to prevent his being “exalted above measure” (2 Cor 12:7). God protected Paul – by afflicting him. It is not for us, therefore, to despise affliction, but to “glory in [our] infirmities” (v 9). If we would be greatly used of the Lord, we should expect to be greatly humbled by Him; nor should we be grumbling, but full of gratitude, because our heavenly Father is holding us back from falling into “the condemnation of the devil.”
 
THOUGHT: Pride has no place in any creature.
PRAYER: “O heaven’s grace ‒ humility! Thy cherished charm I’ll wear; I must be humble, Lord, like Thee, Thy holy image bear.” (Orr)

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