Body
PRIDE. We all have it. But it's not always nefarious. The Apostle Paul wrote, 'But let each one examine his work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another' (Gal. 6:4). This is a command 'Test your work!' In other words, honestly scrutinize your own life, heart, and actions as to your obedience to God's Word. If we work hard and live well according to God's word, then we can be pleased or, in a sense, 'proud' that the Lord has given us grace to glorify Him. However, there is also the evil side of pride. It seems especially widespread today as so many people live out their lives in outrageous ways to gain the approval of others. It's particularly pervasive nowadays due to all of the social media. The Apostle Paul addressed this in the previous verse: 'For if anyone thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself' (Gal. 6:3). That's the sinful side of pride. 'Look at me, everyone!' Yet, the Apostle Paul also wrote, saying, 'Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ' (1 Cor. 11:1). It's been said that 'Imitation is the highest form of flattery.' Perhaps. But Paul says, 'Look at me and be like me, but only as I am like the Lord Jesus.' On the other hand, sinful pride cares more about what others think about us than what God thinks about us. King Solomon penned, 'Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall' (Prov. 16:18). Solomon's destruction no doubt pointed to his pride. Interestingly, this is the middle verse of the Old Testament. Coincidence? Maybe. Or did God, in His sovereignty, plan it to highlight the danger of sinful pride? Either way, God certainly knows, and we all know, that sinful pride generally leads to destruction and ruin. The Apostle John wrote, 'Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good' (3 Jn 11). And there's none good but God (Mark 10:8)!
