Pride

The original sin was pride. Nothing has changed since the beginning of time. Every sin I commit begins with pride.

I was thinking today of how many times during the course of a single day I attempt to function on my own. My own agenda. My own thinking. My own solutions to problems. I spend more time each day trying to "figure out" life than I do submitting to the Creator of life. Today I was awakened to my serious struggle with pride.

Pride really isn't anything more than telling God, "Not Your will, but mine." I'm amazed at how patient, kind, and merciful God is to me each day, especially considering how much time I operate out of pride. Sometimes it's as if I'm in a daze and when I snap out of it I realize half my day is gone and I haven't acknowledged God's presence and power in my life even once. How many times did my heart beat in that time? How much of God's air did I inhale to keep me alive? How many moments did God protect me physically, mentally, or spiritually? And my response? Pride.

I'm grateful that God in His mercy brings about moments of clarity where I can see clearly what a gracious Savior He is. In such moments I am reminded that I am nothing apart from Him. Nothing. I have nothing to give, nothing He needs, nothing of value compared to His glory. Yet, amazingly, I do have something He wants: me. Astoundingly, God desires me - my time, my fellowship, my life. And He wants me to enjoy Him. So, today I lay down my pride that I might experience intimacy with my Father.

What will you do with your pride today?

In humble adoration,

jonathan