January 19, 2009

Resist Pride

“O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor. And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down. But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling [was] with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.” (Daniel 5:18-21 NKJV)

Pride is like a drug that confuses the senses. Once addicted to this hallucinogen, a person loses touch with reality. Like Nebuchadnezzar, he can believe he achieved his position by his own greatness and skill.

The truth of the matter is that God grants and takes as He wishes. As this passage says, “God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.”

More times than not, the Scriptures refer to a lack of humility as the reason that God humbles someone. We can be sure that, “. . . God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6 NKJV) The last thing anyone needs is God holding him at arms length.

Now you may think this doesn’t apply to you because you are not a ruler or have a position of authority. However, God hates pride no matter your position. Notice the first thing listed in the following. “These six [things] the LORD hates, Yes, seven [are] an abomination to Him: A proud look . . . .” (Proverbs 6:16-17 NKJV)

The antidote for the poison of pride is thankfulness. You cannot be thankful and prideful at the same time. They are like water and oil they just don’t mix. Therefore, guard against pride by counting your blessings everyday.

Don’t pay the price that Nebuchadnezzar paid for his arrogance. God may choose to drive you to the outermost parts, and there wreak havoc on you until you admit as Nebuchadnezzar did that God is sovereign. Praise God and avoid His wrath. Amen?

“And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom [is] from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And [among] the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?"” (Daniel 4:34-35 NKJV)