The book of Obadiah reminds us that we will either strip ourselves of pride or that God will strip us of our pride. The people of Edom were deceived by the pride that filled their hearts. As a result, they thought that no one and nothing could bring them down. God would tell them differently and would soon show them that He brings low the proud and gives honor to the humble.
23 Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. PROVERBS 29:23
Step by step, God would strip Edom of her pride and bring her low. Where they were proud of their possessions, they would be taken from them like a thief in the night. Where they were proud of their alliances and covenants with their neighbors, they would be tricked and turned on by the people on whom they counted. Where they were proud of their wisdom, God would confound even the wise men in their midst. Even the warriors of Edom provided no protection and how no response to the battle that was about to besiege them. They would be stripped of all of their pride and brought low because of their heart was filled with pride.
Stripping oneself of pride is a significant aspect of Christian spiritual growth. Pride is often one of the root sins that causes more troubles and problems in our lives. That's why we strip ourselves of pride and clothe ourselves in humility. Humility is a virtue that brings more blessings and honor to our lives.
...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 PETER 5:5
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Biblical Teachings on Pride
Pride is a condition of the heart that impacts many today. It's an attitude that leads to actions that are sure to cause more problems. That's why we must hear the warning of Proverbs 16:18 when it states, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Pride leads to trouble and ruin because, with prideful hearts, we put ourselves above God or steal the glory that is only due to God. Read it one more time from James 4:6: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." Did you catch the contrast between pride and humility? God opposes the proud but shows favor to those who recognize their need for Him and humble themselves before Him.
Humility as a Christian Virtue
Humility is exemplified by Jesus Christ himself. Philippians 2:5-8 describes the humility of Jesus: "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
This passage illustrates that Jesus, though divine, chose to humble himself and serve humanity. His life and sacrificial death serve as the ultimate example of humility for Christians to follow, and His life as a servant is a model for all who desire to follow Him and honor god today! To clothe ourselves in Christlike humility, we must strip ourselves of pride.
Stripping Away Pride
Stripping away pride requires a conscious effort to recognize one's limitations and dependence on God. It involves a shift in focus from oneself to others and to God. Christians are encouraged to practice humility in various ways:
In conclusion, stripping oneself of pride involves a commitment to humility, a willingness to consistently check our hearts for the unhealthy signs of pride, and a deep reliance on God. We do all of this and live humbly before God and others because God helps those who humble themselves.
23 Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. PROVERBS 29:23
Step by step, God would strip Edom of her pride and bring her low. Where they were proud of their possessions, they would be taken from them like a thief in the night. Where they were proud of their alliances and covenants with their neighbors, they would be tricked and turned on by the people on whom they counted. Where they were proud of their wisdom, God would confound even the wise men in their midst. Even the warriors of Edom provided no protection and how no response to the battle that was about to besiege them. They would be stripped of all of their pride and brought low because of their heart was filled with pride.
Stripping oneself of pride is a significant aspect of Christian spiritual growth. Pride is often one of the root sins that causes more troubles and problems in our lives. That's why we strip ourselves of pride and clothe ourselves in humility. Humility is a virtue that brings more blessings and honor to our lives.
...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 PETER 5:5
.
Biblical Teachings on Pride
Pride is a condition of the heart that impacts many today. It's an attitude that leads to actions that are sure to cause more problems. That's why we must hear the warning of Proverbs 16:18 when it states, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Pride leads to trouble and ruin because, with prideful hearts, we put ourselves above God or steal the glory that is only due to God. Read it one more time from James 4:6: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." Did you catch the contrast between pride and humility? God opposes the proud but shows favor to those who recognize their need for Him and humble themselves before Him.
Humility as a Christian Virtue
Humility is exemplified by Jesus Christ himself. Philippians 2:5-8 describes the humility of Jesus: "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
This passage illustrates that Jesus, though divine, chose to humble himself and serve humanity. His life and sacrificial death serve as the ultimate example of humility for Christians to follow, and His life as a servant is a model for all who desire to follow Him and honor god today! To clothe ourselves in Christlike humility, we must strip ourselves of pride.
Stripping Away Pride
Stripping away pride requires a conscious effort to recognize one's limitations and dependence on God. It involves a shift in focus from oneself to others and to God. Christians are encouraged to practice humility in various ways:
- Prayer and Reflection: Regular prayer and reflection can help individuals become aware of their prideful tendencies and seek God's guidance in overcoming them. Psalm 139:23-24 says, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
- Serving Others: Serving others selflessly is a practical way to cultivate humility. Jesus taught his disciples in Mark 10:43-45, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
- Seeking Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Acknowledging mistakes and seeking
forgiveness from God and others is a powerful step toward humility. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:23-24, where he instructs believers to reconcile with others before offering their gifts at the altar. Remember, humble people swallow their pride to seek and grant forgiveness when needed.
In conclusion, stripping oneself of pride involves a commitment to humility, a willingness to consistently check our hearts for the unhealthy signs of pride, and a deep reliance on God. We do all of this and live humbly before God and others because God helps those who humble themselves.