BEFORE A FALL

“Pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes.” – John Ruskin

 

Pride is a prison; it can creep into a man's heart and blind him from even a shadow of humility. Pride does not take into account the righteousness or the spiritual worth of the decision or choice but for selfish gains. It does not consider the ill effects upon those, from whom, it will be required.

James Anthony Traficant, Jr. was a former Democratic politician and member of the United States House of Representatives from Ohio. He was expelled after being convicted of taking bribes, filing false tax returns, racketeering, and forcing his aides to perform chores at his farm in Ohio and houseboat in Washington, D.C. During his federal trial, although he's not a lawyer, Traficant defended himself but he did not testify. His self-defense led to frequent clashes with the judge over what questions might be asked and how. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and released on September 2, 2009, after serving a seven-year sentence. Traficant was a proud and arrogant politician before his imprisonment. His incarceration did not change his attitude. Upon his release, he said he was "proud of being an ex-con" and may try to return to Congress.

Even God (himself) opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. If we live a life of unhealthy "pride" the living God of the universe will work against us. Humility pays off big time.

Humility is a virtue, Pride is not. Humility comes from being secure; Pride on the other hand is the opposite. A humble leader is a confident leader, knowing who they are and what they do. A proud leader is overconfident - trying to convince other people that they are too good to do what they do. Humility is strength. Pride is weakness. Humble people don’t have to prove anything. Proud people will always try to prove a point.

Humility is attractive. It makes people want to follow you. Pride is obnoxious; it causes people to flee from you.

One particular sin the Lord hates is pride. He desires humility in us as we look to Him for our source of strength. Give priority to humility, it will draw you closer to great opportunities, and burst open doors.