Pride: The Silent Enemy Within!

Pride: The Silent Enemy Within!

**Description:**

Discover why pride is one of the greatest threats to your personal and spiritual growth. Learn how humility opens the door to divine favor and protection, and why Proverbs 16:18 remains a vital warning for every believer.

**Part 1: Learn the Danger of Pride Before It Destroys You!

One of the most important lessons every person must learn in life is this: *If you don’t deal with pride, you may unknowingly become your own worst enemy.* Many people think their enemies are external—people who oppose them, unfair situations, or spiritual warfare. But the greatest enemy can often be within: **pride**.

The Bible is crystal clear on this matter. Proverbs 16:18 says, *“Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”* This is not just a suggestion—it is a divine principle. Pride is not a harmless character flaw; it is a spiritual cancer that quietly grows until it leads to a person’s downfall.

You may have talents, achievements, intelligence, or influence—but none of these give anyone the license to look down on others or ignore God’s guidance. Pride blinds a person to correction. It whispers, “You don’t need help,” or, “You’re better than others.” That’s when danger begins.

**Pride is not just arrogance; it’s independence from God.** It’s the attitude that says, “I can do this without Him.” That’s why it is so deadly. When pride rules your heart, God becomes distant—not because He moves away, but because pride pushes Him out.

James 4:6 declares, *“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”* Think about that. God **resists** the proud. The same God who is merciful and kind literally opposes pride. Why? Because pride was the sin that cast Lucifer out of heaven. It was the seed of rebellion. God will not allow pride to survive in the hearts of those He wants to bless.

This is why the message is urgent: **Get rid of pride.** Say it out loud. Say it clearly. Recognize it, confront it, and repent of it.

Pride may hide in many forms:

* Refusing to apologize

* Always wanting to be right

* Desiring to be praised

* Ignoring correction

* Comparing yourself with others

You must examine your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any area where pride may be hiding. Pride doesn’t always shout; sometimes it whispers.

On the other hand, **humility is the key to greatness in the kingdom of God**. Jesus taught in Matthew 23:12, *“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”*

Humility doesn’t mean weakness; it means dependence on God. It’s knowing that every gift, every open door, every achievement comes from Him. A humble person gives glory to God and serves others without seeking recognition.

Humility invites grace. Humility protects you. Humility promotes you when the time is right.

So, what must you do?

1. **Pray daily for a humble heart.**

2. **Stay teachable.** Let others correct you.

3. **Give glory to God for your success.**

4. **Serve others, especially those who cannot repay you.**

5. **Read and meditate on Scriptures that promote humility.**

In my opinion, if you want to last in life and ministry—if you want to walk in God’s blessings and avoid unnecessary destruction—you must *daily* walk the path of humility. That is the way of Jesus. That is the way of life.

**Closing Prayer:**

*Heavenly Father, search my heart and remove every trace of pride. I humble myself under Your mighty hand. Teach me to walk in humility, to honor others, and to depend fully on You. Let my life reflect the character of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.*

To be continued....................