A Reflection on Pride

Scripture:
You rescue an afflicted people,
but Your eyes are set against the proud -
You humble them.
2 Samuel 22:28

Observation: As David sings in honor of the Lord, he states that God is wonderful, faithful, and pure to those who have those qualities, but to those who are evil and crooked he is strong in judgment. In this sentence, he says God cares for the afflicted, but humbles those with pride.

Application: We sit here today in ... "pride month". People who have considered themselves afflicted and marginalized, have had the government declare that theirs is an opportunity to be proud of themselves and who they are. I completely agree that it is wrong to oppress, marginalize, or even hate anyone. However, there is an interesting parallel I was considering just yesterday, and which David here highlights.

Those who have chosen to turn away from God's laws - who set up their own ways as the rules by which they will conduct their lives - fall into the trap of pride. David knew this 3,200 years ago. We know this now. The fact that a very large group of people, including everyone in support of the movement, has adopted 'pride' as their mantra, strengthens and informs the conversation about the nature of their overall understanding of God and his compassion, mercy, peace, faithfulness, goodness, righteousness, and love.

God would love nothing more than to care for and bless anyone who feels marginalized, hated, hurt, outcast, or confused. However ... he will judge the proud.

I suffer from pride, and it manifests as anger of disagreements and perceived disrespect. It is the part of my heart I most wish I could overcome. With God's love and strength, I will achieve that goal. I know my heart has changed over time, and God is not finished with me yet. He has not given up on me, and will never forsake me. I hope I learn how to humble myself before God decides to humble me. I choose humility. You can have your pride.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for everyone who feels so desperate and hopeless and confused in their lives that they would choose total denial of your teaching over your love. Surely they do that from ignorance and the lies whispered to them by this world. May your love resonate even above the din of the crowds. Amen.