Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
This passage of scripture advises us to walk humbly with God in all things, because pride which is foreign to God's character, is what caused Lucifer to fall from his exalted position in heaven, and the very same problem persists today, and is often manifested in the hearts and lives of individuals and nations. There are different manifestations of pride that we should be aware of, such as pride in dress, pride in intellectual ability, pride in singing or performing, pride in educational accomplishments, pride in our possessions, and worst yet, there is spiritual pride that manifests itself in a stoical disregard for the counsels of God, and also in that form of self-righteousness which alienates our souls from God.
Whenever we deliberately cultivate a love of display of any sort, we may know that our characters need urgent cleansing that can only take place by the renewing power of The Holy Spirit, who presents the meek and lowly Jesus in contrast with our proud, ambitious attitudes. This sin of pride is what led to the destruction of Herod, for he had prided himself on his oratory abilities, and after many years of indulging this soul-destroying sin, he purposed in his heart to give such an eloquent speech so as to draw the attention and praises of the wondering multitudes. He also at the same time indulged pride of dress and appearance, so as to create an air of superiority akin to the gods. But his indulgences culminated in his untimely demise, and he was slain in the most humiliating manner, in the presence of those who had just adored and flattered his pride. Let's read:
Acts 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
In our day the same problem surfaces in different ways, for pride and the love of approbation is causing the ruin of millions. This problem is so widespread and deep-seated that it actually causes politicians and religious leaders to adopt and legislate policies that are in flagrant violation of the plainest commands of God, with the intention of winning the support, praises, and adoration of those who are bent on instituting evil. And in our own personal lives the sin of pride is often harbored in overt and subtle ways. Christians should not "dress to impress", nor should we be found flaunting any talents given to us by God, for when we indulge this sin, it widens the gap between our souls and Christ, who humbled Himself to save us from our iniquities.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which shows us God's ideal for His earth-born children, and if we are willing and humble enough, God will cleanse us from all unrighteousness so that we can walk in newness of life. Let's read:
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow" ..... 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
May we learn to walk in Christ's footsteps so that the work of salvation may continue uninterrupted in our daily lives. "Good night" and God bless!