Some Humbling Scriptures!

The Pitfall of Pride

Pride is a dangerous pitfall that we must continually guard our hearts against. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in humility, putting God's will above our own desires.

In this eye-opening video, some sobering scriptures are shared that rebuke the attitudes of pride and self-exaltation. Here are a few of the key points that stood out:

Our Allegiances Need to Be in Order (Matthew 10:37) Jesus said, "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." How often are we tempted to break our vows to God because a family member pulls on our allegiances? Christ must be first.

The Narrow Way is Difficult (Luke 13:24) "Strive to enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it." Are we truly denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and striving to enter the narrow gate? Or have we settled for a comfortable, easy form of religion?

Seek God's Approval, Not Man's (Matthew 23:5-7, John 12:43) Christ rebuked the religious leaders who did their works to be seen by others and loved the praise of men more than God's praise. Whose approval are we living for - God's or others'? The Lord looks at the heart, not the outward appearance.

Follow Christ's Voice (John 10:27) Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I follow them." Do we truly know Christ and hear His voice guiding us? Or do we just know about Him without an intimate relationship? He desires for us to follow Him, not our own selfish desires.

Freely Give What You Have Received (Matthew 10:8, Proverbs 23:23) We cannot sell the truth or wisdom God has given us for financial gain. What we have freely received, we must freely give to others. Our motives in ministry must be right before the Lord.

These scriptures, while humbling and even painful at times, serve as a healthy rebuke and reminder to guard our hearts against pride. Let us continually examine ourselves and stomp down any sprouts of self-exalting pride, choosing instead the way of radical humility modeled by Christ.

Here are some scriptures referred to in this video

2Ti 4:3-4  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  (4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Mat 10:37  He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Luk 13:24  Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Act 14:22  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Psa 37:40  And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Mat 16:24  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Joh 12:43  For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Mat 10:33  But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Mat 23:5-7  But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,  (6)  And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,  (7)  And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

1Pe 3:3-4  Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;  (4)  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

1Sa 16:7  But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Joh 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Pro 23:23  Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Mat 10:8  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Deu 8:18  But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

Pro 16:18  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Rom 12:16  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

1Co 10:12  Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

2Co 12:7  And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

1Co 11:31  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

I hope you enjoyed your spoonful of rebuke from a friend!  

Pro 27:6  Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.