By Mike Kurtz
Last weekend we held our annual FBC Fall Conference. It was a time of very practical consideration on matters of communication. This was not an easy weekend because as we learned, communication (or lack of it) is a reflection of what is in the heart. And as we all can attest to, the heart is a deceitful source when it succumbs to the temptation, impulses, and sway of the flesh.
There is perhaps no greater sin than pride. It often drives us. It motivates us. It attempts to take control. It seeks for self gain, self fame, and so on. I noted in my notes from the weekend that pride competes for power. It tries to gain the upper hand and greater control in a relationship. Pride wants to show our way is better than anyone else’s. And so we fight and defend to gain the upper position. There is no place for pride as followers of Christ, and yet we all struggle with it so terribly in one way or another. Let me ask you today: Where does pride rear its ugly head in your life? Which relationships do you see it happening most in? Why do you think that is?
The picture of pride is seen so clearly in King Uzziah. Take time today to read an account of his life in 2 Chronicles 26:3-21. There is much to be gleaned from this account. Note how pride drove his life. Note how pride guided his decisions, how it affected others around him, how it affected his relationship with God. The signs of pride are obvious in Uzziah’s life. Perhaps this particular expression of pride is not so obvious in yours. Consider if the need for importance, success, respect, and admiration runs through your life. If so, get right with God. Remember who He is and who you are. Remember who is the source of any good work in your life. Remember that apart from Christ you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Tomorrow, we will look at a different expression of pride… just as dangerous as Uzziah’s pride, but not nearly as obvious.