Continuing on with pride and envy by Charles Stanley
A loss of privileges and opportunities When there is no peace, contentment, or happiness within our hearts, others will have a hard time working alongside us. When others sense that we are jealous or envious, they will make note of this and steer clear.
Broken fellowship with God You can read your Bible and pray, but something will be missing because there will be a wall between you and the Lord. This is because jealousy is a self-centered emotion. In some cases, a jealous person cannot pray with true devotion because she only wants to ask God to deal with "the other person." And the other person may be someone He has chosen to bless.
Physical sickness Bitterness, resentment, hostility, anger, jealousy, and envy can be stepping-stones to phyiscal disease. When your heart is right with God, you will be healthier. The writer of Provers noted, "A joyful heart is good medicine, / But a broken spirit dries up the bones" (17:22).
We'll stop there today. Tomorrow we'll look at seven ways to disarm jealousy.
Showing posts with label Pride. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pride. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Spiritual Warfare #7
Seven Steps to Successfully Dealing with Pride by Charles Stanley
The first thing you can do to combat pride is to realize that pride is present in your life.
Second, ask God to forgive you for being prideful.
Third, pray that He will give you the ability to turn away from pride.
Fourth, pray that he will set a hedge of protection around your life. Also, ask Him to give you the discernment to detect the landmine of pride before you approach it. One of the best ways to defuse conceit and arrogance is to serve somebody else, not to receive credit, but to learn humility and the goodness that comes from being submitted to the Lord fully and completely.
Fifth, remember where you came from and how far God has brought you.
Sixth, ask God to help you recall the good things that He has done in your life, and stop comparing yourself to someone else.
Seventh, be willing to experience adversity.
Tomorrow we'll look at Chapter Four, The Landmines of Jealousy and Envy.
The first thing you can do to combat pride is to realize that pride is present in your life.
Second, ask God to forgive you for being prideful.
Third, pray that He will give you the ability to turn away from pride.
Fourth, pray that he will set a hedge of protection around your life. Also, ask Him to give you the discernment to detect the landmine of pride before you approach it. One of the best ways to defuse conceit and arrogance is to serve somebody else, not to receive credit, but to learn humility and the goodness that comes from being submitted to the Lord fully and completely.
Fifth, remember where you came from and how far God has brought you.
Sixth, ask God to help you recall the good things that He has done in your life, and stop comparing yourself to someone else.
Seventh, be willing to experience adversity.
Tomorrow we'll look at Chapter Four, The Landmines of Jealousy and Envy.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Spiritual Warfare #6
I started a new book yesterday. It's fantastic! We'll try and finish this one and the Identity one first, though.
Chapter 3 by Charles Stanley.
Exposing a Prideful Heart
It doesn't take the enemy long to sense our areas of weakness as we mentioned earlier. He studies our actions and our reactions to life's circumstances.
The Consequences of Pride in the Life of the Believer
...Not all sorrow and adversity come as a result of disobedience. Some of the disappointments come from living in a fallen world. Many come because we have ignored God.
Pride hinders our fellowship with God.
Pride leads to broken relationships with others.
Pride blocks God's blessings and often causes us to lose our rewards.
The truth is, if you do not tap into God's will for your life, all the success this world has to offer will not come close to the success that God has for you.
God's blessings offer a sense of fulfillment and peace that you will never be able to acheive on your own. His call to you is to be faithful in what you have been given to do.
Pride lessens the fullness of relationship with Him.
Pride decreases our effectiveness as a leader.
Pride entices us to favor people who build up our egos. The 360 review process may have originated in the workplace as a way for employers to learn more about their abilities and habits, but the concept is gaining ground in the home where family members review one another and give honest answers that foster accountability.
Pride sets the stage for us to make foolish mistakes.
Pride shuts down the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Pride breeds prayerlessness.
Pride causes us to emphasize self more than God.
The evidences of pride in one's life are obvious:
1. The desire to be number one or first.
2. Continual reference to oneself.
3. The longing to be the center of attention.
4. A need to seek the praise and compliments of others.
5. A desire to dress in such a way as to gain the attention of others.
6. A need to be seen in prominent places.
7. Unwillingness to help people who are less fortunate.
8. A rebellious spirit.
9. A tendency to take credit for something that someone else did.
10. REfusal to do menial tasks.
11. Refusal to apologize when wrong.
12. An attitude of self-sufficiency.
That's a lot for today. Tomorrow we'll look at the 7 Steps to Successfully Dealing with Pride.
Chapter 3 by Charles Stanley.
Exposing a Prideful Heart
It doesn't take the enemy long to sense our areas of weakness as we mentioned earlier. He studies our actions and our reactions to life's circumstances.
The Consequences of Pride in the Life of the Believer
...Not all sorrow and adversity come as a result of disobedience. Some of the disappointments come from living in a fallen world. Many come because we have ignored God.
Pride hinders our fellowship with God.
Pride leads to broken relationships with others.
Pride blocks God's blessings and often causes us to lose our rewards.
The truth is, if you do not tap into God's will for your life, all the success this world has to offer will not come close to the success that God has for you.
God's blessings offer a sense of fulfillment and peace that you will never be able to acheive on your own. His call to you is to be faithful in what you have been given to do.
Pride lessens the fullness of relationship with Him.
Pride decreases our effectiveness as a leader.
Pride entices us to favor people who build up our egos. The 360 review process may have originated in the workplace as a way for employers to learn more about their abilities and habits, but the concept is gaining ground in the home where family members review one another and give honest answers that foster accountability.
Pride sets the stage for us to make foolish mistakes.
Pride shuts down the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Pride breeds prayerlessness.
Pride causes us to emphasize self more than God.
The evidences of pride in one's life are obvious:
1. The desire to be number one or first.
2. Continual reference to oneself.
3. The longing to be the center of attention.
4. A need to seek the praise and compliments of others.
5. A desire to dress in such a way as to gain the attention of others.
6. A need to be seen in prominent places.
7. Unwillingness to help people who are less fortunate.
8. A rebellious spirit.
9. A tendency to take credit for something that someone else did.
10. REfusal to do menial tasks.
11. Refusal to apologize when wrong.
12. An attitude of self-sufficiency.
That's a lot for today. Tomorrow we'll look at the 7 Steps to Successfully Dealing with Pride.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Spiritual Warfare #5
Continuing on from Chapter 2 by Charles Stanley:
Falling Victim to Pride
A person falls victim to pride for several reasons:
Self Centeredness
Feelings of inadequacy
Immaturity and an inability to handle responsibility
Inability to handle wealth, position, and the gifts God has given
Overcoming Pride with Trust
Our sole goal should be to be the best right where God has placed us. "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time"
(1 Peter 5:6)
Specific signs tell us we are struggling with pride. While the list is long, it certainly includes the following:
Arrogance
Self-promotion
Lack of giving to God and others
A selfish attitude
Refusal to listen to the advice of others
Lack of submission to those in authority
A spirit of rebellion
Bragging
Lack of humble regard for God and others
The inability to receive a compliment or gift
Tomorrow we'll look at Chapter 3, Exposing a Prideful Heart. Again, take a moment and ask yourself if any of these apply to you. "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." (Romans 12:3)
Falling Victim to Pride
A person falls victim to pride for several reasons:
Self Centeredness
Feelings of inadequacy
Immaturity and an inability to handle responsibility
Inability to handle wealth, position, and the gifts God has given
Overcoming Pride with Trust
Our sole goal should be to be the best right where God has placed us. "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time"
(1 Peter 5:6)
Specific signs tell us we are struggling with pride. While the list is long, it certainly includes the following:
Arrogance
Self-promotion
Lack of giving to God and others
A selfish attitude
Refusal to listen to the advice of others
Lack of submission to those in authority
A spirit of rebellion
Bragging
Lack of humble regard for God and others
The inability to receive a compliment or gift
Tomorrow we'll look at Chapter 3, Exposing a Prideful Heart. Again, take a moment and ask yourself if any of these apply to you. "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." (Romans 12:3)
Monday, March 10, 2008
Spiritual Warfare #4
Here's a great story that Charles Stanley tells:
Exposing the Landmine of Pride
God called a young man to the mission field. From the beginning one trial after another assailed him. Each time, according to him, the problem involved key leaders within his organization. Amakzingly, he refused to admit that he was part of the problem - it always was someone else. The young man began to tell others that those in authority over him could not do the work as well as he could do it. Soon he became wrapped up in getting credit for his work, but no one would acknowledge what he had done. He was too prideful, and while his friends and coworkers realized this, he did not. A short time later, he became discouraged, disgruntled, and disappointed.
Pride tempts us to believe we are better than someone else. Suddenly this young man felt as though he could no longer work with this organization. Without knowing it, his obedience to God was at stake. He was blinded by his pride and convinced that his only option was to leave the very work God had called him to do. Yet he overlooked one detail: God never rescinds His call. He may change our circumstances or location, but He will never ask us to abandon His will.
The first step this young man took toward defeat came when he did not submit himself to the authority over him. He mistakenly believed that he knew more than the leadership God had placed in his life. Once this man decided to follow the deceptive words of his heart, pride had fertile ground in which to grow.
The second step came when he was confronted over his actions and stood steadfast, thinking that he was right and everyone else was wrong. Pride never admits its failures. Instead, the prideful person continues to push forward, blindly seeking self-gratification.
Satan is overjoyed whenever we walk away from the very place God has put us. This is not limited to an office. We can walk away from relationships, responsibilities, and church and community service based on what we mistakenly believe about ourselves.
If you are setting goals without God's input, then you are on pride's trail, and you are heading for trouble.
That's a lot to think about for today. Have you or are you in a position where you aren't respecting and submitting to the authority over you? In work? In your marriage? Check your heart and ask God to illuminate any areas of pride in your life. As those who know you best if they see pride in you as well.
Exposing the Landmine of Pride
God called a young man to the mission field. From the beginning one trial after another assailed him. Each time, according to him, the problem involved key leaders within his organization. Amakzingly, he refused to admit that he was part of the problem - it always was someone else. The young man began to tell others that those in authority over him could not do the work as well as he could do it. Soon he became wrapped up in getting credit for his work, but no one would acknowledge what he had done. He was too prideful, and while his friends and coworkers realized this, he did not. A short time later, he became discouraged, disgruntled, and disappointed.
Pride tempts us to believe we are better than someone else. Suddenly this young man felt as though he could no longer work with this organization. Without knowing it, his obedience to God was at stake. He was blinded by his pride and convinced that his only option was to leave the very work God had called him to do. Yet he overlooked one detail: God never rescinds His call. He may change our circumstances or location, but He will never ask us to abandon His will.
The first step this young man took toward defeat came when he did not submit himself to the authority over him. He mistakenly believed that he knew more than the leadership God had placed in his life. Once this man decided to follow the deceptive words of his heart, pride had fertile ground in which to grow.
The second step came when he was confronted over his actions and stood steadfast, thinking that he was right and everyone else was wrong. Pride never admits its failures. Instead, the prideful person continues to push forward, blindly seeking self-gratification.
Satan is overjoyed whenever we walk away from the very place God has put us. This is not limited to an office. We can walk away from relationships, responsibilities, and church and community service based on what we mistakenly believe about ourselves.
If you are setting goals without God's input, then you are on pride's trail, and you are heading for trouble.
That's a lot to think about for today. Have you or are you in a position where you aren't respecting and submitting to the authority over you? In work? In your marriage? Check your heart and ask God to illuminate any areas of pride in your life. As those who know you best if they see pride in you as well.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Spiritual Warfare #3
Chapter Two by Charles Stanley
The Landmine of Pride
Of all the struggles discussed in this book, pride is the one that has the most devastating results.
God is very specific. He hates pride. In fact, it is at the top of His list of sins that He despises: "Pride and arrogance and the evil way / And the perverted mouth, I hate" (Prov. 8:13).
It is one of Satan's chief modes of operation and favorite weapons of warfare because it tempts us to take our eyes off God and place them on ourselves.
There's nothing wrong with having a sense of pride in doing things well. However, many people fail to honor the Lord with their attitudes. They believe Satan's lies, which tell them they can accomplish whatever they want apart from God. This line of thinking always leads us away from God. And Satan wins the battle.
The next section is pretty long so I'll save that for tomorrow. After reading this chapter, I asked Greg if I was prideful. I always want to keep a check on different attitudes to make sure I've got the right heart. He said, no, but I had an area that would crop up from time to time. We had a conversation the day before about people improving their lives by getting a college education. I'm pro-college because I got a Bachelor's degree and feel it was one of the best decisions I ever made. He, on the other hand, didn't finish his AA degree and isn't such a big advocate of college degrees for everyone. When we discuss the issue, he feels like I feel the way I do because of what I've done. I actually feel that it is beneficial for everyone before I went to college. You make and average of $10,000 more than someone with a high school diploma, right out of school. (That's a 20 year old figure, I'm sure it's more by now) I feel a person is more well rounded and it opens their eyes to more possibilities for career options. It also models a good example to their kids for the value of a higher education. Greg feels not everyone is cut out for college. Anyway, I guess I'll have to watch myself when expressing my opinion about college.
The Landmine of Pride
Of all the struggles discussed in this book, pride is the one that has the most devastating results.
God is very specific. He hates pride. In fact, it is at the top of His list of sins that He despises: "Pride and arrogance and the evil way / And the perverted mouth, I hate" (Prov. 8:13).
It is one of Satan's chief modes of operation and favorite weapons of warfare because it tempts us to take our eyes off God and place them on ourselves.
There's nothing wrong with having a sense of pride in doing things well. However, many people fail to honor the Lord with their attitudes. They believe Satan's lies, which tell them they can accomplish whatever they want apart from God. This line of thinking always leads us away from God. And Satan wins the battle.
The next section is pretty long so I'll save that for tomorrow. After reading this chapter, I asked Greg if I was prideful. I always want to keep a check on different attitudes to make sure I've got the right heart. He said, no, but I had an area that would crop up from time to time. We had a conversation the day before about people improving their lives by getting a college education. I'm pro-college because I got a Bachelor's degree and feel it was one of the best decisions I ever made. He, on the other hand, didn't finish his AA degree and isn't such a big advocate of college degrees for everyone. When we discuss the issue, he feels like I feel the way I do because of what I've done. I actually feel that it is beneficial for everyone before I went to college. You make and average of $10,000 more than someone with a high school diploma, right out of school. (That's a 20 year old figure, I'm sure it's more by now) I feel a person is more well rounded and it opens their eyes to more possibilities for career options. It also models a good example to their kids for the value of a higher education. Greg feels not everyone is cut out for college. Anyway, I guess I'll have to watch myself when expressing my opinion about college.
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Way God Works
I'm a firm believer in the providential will of God. This is a term I learned while watching Andy Stanley's Discovering God's Will DVD. Andy explains that you need to know how God works and you do that by reading His word. Once you figure out how God works, you can more easily discern His will for your life, making decisions so much easier.
When watching the SuperBowl yesterday, we saw Eli Manning give a friendly bump and smile to the opposing quarterback. What he received was a less than friendly response. I knew at that moment that God would probably have a hand in the outcome of the SuperBowl. There was even more evidence by seeing how the Patriot's coach acted on camera throughout the season. Though he and the team appeared humble, there was an underlying tone of pride that could be discerned.
It's just like God to lift up the truly humble and bless them. James 4:6 says "...God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." It makes you really want to watch your heart attitude. No matter how much talent or what kind of past record(s) you hold, if your heart isn't right, God will hold you back until you learn this important lesson.
When watching the SuperBowl yesterday, we saw Eli Manning give a friendly bump and smile to the opposing quarterback. What he received was a less than friendly response. I knew at that moment that God would probably have a hand in the outcome of the SuperBowl. There was even more evidence by seeing how the Patriot's coach acted on camera throughout the season. Though he and the team appeared humble, there was an underlying tone of pride that could be discerned.
It's just like God to lift up the truly humble and bless them. James 4:6 says "...God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." It makes you really want to watch your heart attitude. No matter how much talent or what kind of past record(s) you hold, if your heart isn't right, God will hold you back until you learn this important lesson.
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