Pride is one of the most subtle and destructive forces in the life of a believer. It disguises itself in many forms—confidence, ambition, independence, even spirituality. Yet, underneath its polished surface lies something deeply dangerous: a heart that no longer sees the need for God.
The Bible warns us in Proverbs 16:18 (KJV):
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Pride is not just an attitude; it is a posture of the heart that pushes God out of His rightful place. It is the sin that turned angels into demons, that made Lucifer fall from Heaven. It is the sin that makes man take credit for what only God can do.
🕊️ The Root of Many Downfalls
We often think of sin in terms of actions—lying, stealing, immorality—but pride is a heart condition that can corrupt even good deeds. Pride turns prayer into performance. It turns ministry into manipulation. It turns service into self-promotion.
In Luke 18:10–14, Jesus tells the story of a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee prayed, boasting about his righteousness, while the tax collector humbled himself and cried out for mercy. Jesus concluded:
“…every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14, KJV)
Pride makes us compare ourselves to others instead of aligning ourselves with God. It makes us unteachable, unreachable, and eventually unusable.
⚠️ The Dangers of Hidden Pride
Pride is not always loud. Sometimes, it whispers:
• “I don’t need advice.”
• “No one can correct me.”
• “I deserve better.”
• “Why should I submit?”
The tragedy of pride is that it blinds you to itself. You can see it in others, but not in your own heart. Pride is a spiritual cancer—it eats away at your discernment, your humility, and your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 5:5 (KJV) says:
“God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
When pride is in the heart, grace cannot flow. And without grace, even the most gifted life becomes dry, empty, and directionless.
🌱 The Beauty of Humility
The antidote to pride is not self-hate; it is humility. Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself—it means thinking of yourself less. It means keeping God at the center, constantly aware that without Him, we are nothing.
Jesus, the King of Glory, knelt to wash the feet of His disciples (John 13). If the Son of God could serve in humility, who are we to exalt ourselves?
Humility attracts God’s presence. It opens the door to grace. It keeps your heart soft, your ears open, and your spirit in tune with Heaven.
🙏🏽 A Prayer for the Humble Heart
“Lord, deliver me from the ugliness of pride. Let me not be a vessel that resists You. Break every hardness in my heart. Teach me the beauty of humility, the joy of depending on You, and the peace that comes from walking in lowliness of heart. Help me remember that everything I am and ever will be comes from You. Let my life be an altar of worship, not a monument to self. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
✨ Final Word
Pride may feel strong, but it always leads to a fall. Humility may feel weak, but it always lifts you up. Choose the narrow way. Bow low so He can lift you high.
In the Kingdom, the way up is always down. Let us put off the robes of pride and wear the garment of humility—for it is the humble that God will raise and crown.
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
(James 4:10, KJV)
Stay humble. Stay yielded. Stay lifted.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
corneliusbella 