We must also remember that this fruit of the Spirit are not easily obtained. Walking in the spirit requires a willingness to submit our lives to the Authority of Christ, walk in discipline, and die to our flesh daily-even minute by minute if necessary!
Note: Lara mention this in her study on pride; "I am only focusing on the selfish side of pride", and she did. I like when she said this, "Taking pride in your work and accomplishments is not what I am talking about here. We are only discussing the sinful side of pride." That is good! Why? Well, because some people think you can't be pride of anything. We are pride of our children when they come home with a good grade, right! But she focused mostly on the negative pride of life. The pride that goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18-19). Good point!
She mentioned this too; a high or inordinate opinion of one's dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.; the state or feeling of being proud; a becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one's position or character; self-respect; self-esteem; pleasure or satisfaction taken in something done by or belonging to oneself or believed to reflect credit upon oneself; pomp; swelling; loftiness and arrogance. Now, that covered it completely!
Simply Stated: Pride is placing our own authority above God's. It is placing our plan, our greatness, and goodness ABOVE God's. Amen, Lara, amen!!!
Question; How do we keep pride far from us?
One word, HUMILITY. (Proverbs 3:7)
Got to share this too……….
Something that may surprise you is that pride was originated from our adversary, Satan. That fact alone makes me want to humble myself and rebuke pride before it even begins to creep into the recesses of my being. Read Isaiah 14:12-14) (and the whole chapter if you can) to see how Satan's pride is what go him booted out of the presence of the Amighty. (another reference tied in with Isaiah is; 1 Timothy 3:7). I have enjoyed this reading!
Humility is God's gift to Christian who believe:
Jesus came as God's servant. His life was the perfect picture of humility and submission to God. He prayed for God's direction. He depended on God completely for the strength and power to fulfill His mission. As Jesus' disciples, we must model our lives after His. Let's ask God to give us the attitude of a servant and help us watch for ways to serve.
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