Swallowing Our Pride: I Don't Need Anyone!
Monday, October 28, 2019
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
Genesis 3:4-5 NLT; suggested reading, Genesis 3:1-7
Thoughts for Today
"I can do it myself!" Have you heard these words from a child you are trying to help? Their insistent declaration of independence can be amusing to watch. However, it illustrates a serious problem with human nature—our prideful self-sufficiency.
Many of us are embarrassed to admit we need help. Depending on someone else can be humiliating, so we forge ahead with the mantra, "I can do it myself." Even when we can't. Even when we shouldn't.
Consider this …
God is pleased with us when we look to hum in helpless dependency and trust him in every area of our life. But we humans are a proud bunch. We would rather be a god than depend on One. We want to be in control. This flaw has been with us since the beginning
when Satan tempted Adam and Eve. He offered them the promise of being like God if they would disobey their Creator and declare their independence from him.
God detests self-sufficient pride. When we want to be above the rule of God and do things our way, we are walking in pride.
We will be looking at pride, its dangers, and the challenges of overcoming it this week. Consider spending extra time in prayer asking God to reveal any pride in your life.
Prayer
Father, I recognize that I sometimes insist on doing things my way and reject yours. Please forgive me. Show me specific areas of pride in my life and help me overcome them.
In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from … Completely Free! A Group Study of Romans 1-8 by Dan Strickland. Everyone struggles from time-to-time, but we can have confidence that in Christ we are completely free from sin's slavery, from condemnation, and from fear of failure. This group study of Romans 1-8 and 12 helps Christians break out of the dull routine of a stagnant spiritual life. Applying the truths found in Romans can transform any believer into a person eager to follow God's will. This study can also serve as a powerful evangelistic tool by explaining the message of salvation as presented in Romans. Suggested uses include home Bible studies, cell groups, Sunday school classes, support groups and personal enrichment.
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