Don't Let Pride Get You

You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Glory in that, and stay at home; for why should you meddle with trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” 2 Kings 14:10 (NKJV)

King Amaziah of Judah started out his reign right. He did what was right in the sight of the Lord and he showed mercy to the children of those who had murdered his father. But he let his pride control him after God gave him a great victory over the Edomites. Instead of giving the glory to God, he became conceited and decided to make war against Isreal. He did not seek God's guidance or listen to King Jehoash's sound advice. Because of his pride, King Amaziah's army suffered a great loss, he was captured, and the walls of Jerusalem were broken down.

Like King Amaziah, we can get caught up in our pride. We may have some major victories, build personal wealth, or be in a position of authority and then say to ourselves, "look at all that I have accomplished." Romans 12:3 says, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” It is ok to have pride in the work you do and all that you accomplished as long as you have a humble heart and give the glory to God.

Choose to start each day giving thanks to God for all that He has done for you. Say to God, "thank you for all you have done in my life and all that I have accomplished because of You", and make that part of your morning prayer routine. When you acknowledge God and recognize Him as the source of all the good in your life, it becomes hard to be prideful. Luke 14:11 says, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Choose a humble heart, not letting pride get you, and the Lord, your God will exalt you.