Spiritual Pride

SPIRITUAL PRIDE

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the lessons you taught today on spiritual pride. Help me to relay what I learned from you in a clear, concise manner today. What do you care about most regarding this topic?

From much that has been given, much is expected, my child. Reflect on this: “48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48 NIV
Lord, are you pleased with what I am doing?

Yes, my child. Today’s work with Austin Christian Executives was of me. You did a good job teaching my Word on Spiritual Pride. I say this to you: 21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’. Matthew 25:21 NIV

Lord, it is a joy to be used by you. Nothing is better, in all the world. Please continue to use me right now as I give to others what lessons on spiritual pride you have given to me.

LESSONS ON SPIRITUAL PRIDE

Spiritual pride for a Christ-follower is:
• Inflated sense of one’s spiritual status or achievements.
• Feeling superior to others re: level of holiness.
• Thinking more highly of one’s spiritual practices.
• Feeling superior due to Bible knowledge.
It is the most damaging sin plaguing mature Christ-followers, characterized by self-righteousness and a lack of humility before God and others.

Dear child, so many of my children, gifted pastors, ministry, and business business leaders fall into damaging sin and destructive patterns of behavior as a result of spiritual pride. I call all my children to examine themselves, to see where this is happening, and to repent. Especially those in vocational and bi-vocational ministry leadership positions.

NEGATIVE IMPACT

Spiritual pride:
1. Creates Division
2. Inhibits Spiritual Growth
3. Distorts View of God’s Grace
4. Leads to Hypocrisy
5. Distorts Image of Christianity
6. Disregards the Value of Others
7. Breeds Unforgiveness

Lord, please give the scriptural basis for all of this:

Creates Division: Fosters attitude of superiority and judgment towards those perceived as less spiritually “advanced”. “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” – Titus 3:9 NIV

Inhibits Spiritual Growth: Prevents individuals from acknowledging their faults and weaknesses, thus obstructing repentance and transformation. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” – 1 John 1:8 NIV

Distorts View of God’s Grace: Promotes self-sufficiency and discourages the recognition of one’s dependence on God. “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” – James 4:6 NIV

Leads to Hypocrisy: More concerned with “appearing” holy than with genuine inner transformation and “being” holy. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” – Matthew 23:25 NIV

Distorts Image of Christianity: Non-believers see a lack of humility, love, and grace that Jesus demonstrated and taught. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35 NIV

Disregards the Value of Others: Contradicts Christ’s teaching that all are equal in God’s eyes. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28 NIV

Breeds Unforgiveness: Contradicts Christ’s teaching that all are equal in God’s eyes. “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15

Father God, help us to avoid spiritual pride. We who have been fed meat are no longer to drink milk. Help us to be mature Christ-followers, waking in obedience and humility with you, following your Holy Spirit, and glorifying you in all we say and do.

Dear child, share the actions you have come up with for yourself and others. These are approved by me.

TOP 12 ACTIONS TO TAKE

Which of these following actions will you take, to avoid spiritual pride, and walk in maturity with Christ?

1. Prioritize daily, 30 to 60 minute quiet time of prayer and mediation to foster humility.
2. Regularly read and memorize scripture, particularly passages emphasizing humility.
3. Foster attitude of gratitude; recognize all good things are God’s gifts vs. personal successes.
4. Seek accountability from your mentor (have at least one); encourage tough feedback.
5. Practice active listening and empathy; valuing others’ perspectives and experiences.
6. Embrace opportunities to serve others, particularly those less fortunate.
7. Regularly confess and repent of sins, recognizing your continual need for God’s grace.
8. Regularly pray for a humble heart and the strength to resist pride.
9. Make a conscious effort to recognize and value the inherent worth of all people.
10. Remember that everyone’s spiritual journey is different; avoid comparing/judging others.
11. Be authentic and real; focus more on inner transformation than outward appearance.
12. Look for opportunities to be “broken” and “humbled”; be transparent with your struggles.

SUMMARY

Father God, this is what I sense you are giving as a summary. Please correct me where I am wrong.

BE:
• Obedient.
• Humble.
• Surrendered.
• Be being constantly filled with your Holy Spirit.

Yes, my child: 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:18-21 NIV

Thank you Lord Jesus, Heavenly Father, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Your aspiring servant,
Daniel M.
19 May 2023