The Death of Pride...

Here's transparency.  My most embarrassing moment occurred the day after I graduated high school.  Now, I am from the great state of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooners) and most of my family still lives out there.  I graduated from a small private school in LA (Lower Alabama).  Thankfully, many of my family members came down for my graduation.  We only lived about 2 hours away from some of the prettiest beaches you will every see, namely Destin and Fort Walton Beach, FL.   As is the custom for most high school graduates, I didn't get alot of sleep after the fact because of my celebration that I had made it through that place.  I still consider that school to be my time in Egyptian Captivity!  Truthfully, I was asleep in the back of our stylish minivan when we pulled into a McDonald's in Crestview, FL.  Little did I know that Mickey D's was the cultural center of that town, but seemingly everybody was there.  Upon waking up, I happen to realize that nature was indeed calling so I preceded into the restaurant and to the obvious door on the right because that is ALWAYS the men's restroom!  Upon my surprise, my grandmother happened to be in the bathroom with me.  A little awkward, I automatically assumed it was her mistake.  Important fact here.... my grandmother is partially blind.  Honest mistake, but her error!  Then, it happened.  It occurred to me that there was not fixtures specifically designed for men in that bathroom.   My sleepiness turned to full awareness and panic!  It was my error!   So sheepishly I stepped out the bathroom to find the entire city of Crestview laughing at me!  Fun times!  I was a graduate!  I knew it all!  I was educated, yet constipated of self! 

It only takes one  moment like that to make you realize that maybe you're not all that and then some!   The wisdom of the Proverbs tells it like this, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (16:18)  I am convinced that selfish pride is at the root of moral and theological collapse in the church today!  We elevate the stature of men more than the stature of our God.  Romans 1:25 says they "worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator".  That's a recipe for destruction!  News flash for the church today!  Pastors, staff members, deacons, Sunday School teachers are merely men and women.  All are capable of great spiritual leadership and serious spiritual and moral failure!  Don't put men to the position of God!  Ministers, remember that our opportunity is out of grace and not based on our own merit!  It's a great perspective to keep!  Pride is at the root of every sin from the Satan's Fall to the Garden of Eden, from Saul's fury to Judas' greed.  In our lives, pride is at the root of lying, gossiping, cheating, unfaithfulness, alcoholism, drug addiction, pornography, murder, etc.   Every temptation has, at its roots, the selfish and instant gratification of the flesh!  It's selfishness and pride!  Unfortunately, religion is eat up with this same mentality!   

Reading through the Gospels, I found a passage that really struck a nerve in me this morning.  Maybe this will help put our prideful state into focus.

John 12:42-43 (ESV)

⁴² Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

Cross references:

1. John 12:42 : John 3:1; [John 7:48]
2. John 12:42 : See John 7:13
3. John 12:42 : See John 9:22
4. John 12:42 : See John 9:22
5. John 12:43 : John 5:44

Do we love the praise and accolades of men more than the "Well done, though good and faithful servant" from our Lord God?  Die to self.  It is not about our glory, but the glory of a God who loves and redeems us through Jesus Christ!  He is mighty to save and worthy of our worship!