The Problem with Pride

An unguarded strength is a double weakness. You might say, “I’m really strong in this area of my life, but I’m kind of weak here, here, and here, so I don’t have to worry about that.” Hold on. The area where you think you are the strongest is where you could end up being the weakest.

You might say, “I would never be unfaithful to my spouse. I would never consider that temptation. I know I’m weak here and here, but I have that area covered.” Guess where you most likely will get hit? Guess where you may fall? The Bible says, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18 NLT).

We need to stand in God’s strength and not our own. Ephesians 6:10 tells us, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (NLT). Know this: You are no match for the devil. You would never want to take him on in your own strength. You are not fighting for God. You are not being strong for God. You are not fighting for victory; you are fighting from victory. You are resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ for you on the cross, where He said, “Tetelestai,” which is translated, “It is finished.” It is accomplished. It is done. It is completed.

Jesus Christ purchased our salvation. A decisive blow was dealt against the enemy at the cross. Satan was defeated at Calvary. He knows our closeness to God and fellowship with Him is our power base. His objective is to separate us from God in fellowship. His chief aim is to disconnect our hearts from God and inspire confidence in ourselves instead.

Keep your guard up in every area of your life. You could always be vulnerable in ways you don’t realize.