10-16-20 THOUGHTS

PRIDE and HUMILITY are two sides of the same coin.   Both have potential within man.  One looks to self, the other is more concerned about those around.  One is destructive, the other brings peace and joy to any environment.  

1Pet 5:5   You younger men, likewise, be subject to [your] elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.   Jas 4:6 repeats this.
Prov 3:34    Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.

Col 3:10  and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him — 
Col 3:12  So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

From the mouth of Huldah the prophetess, concerning Josiah...
2Chron 34:27 "Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and [because] you humbled yourself before Me, tore your clothes and wept before Me, I truly have heard you," declares the LORD.  (Compare 2Kings 22:19)
Prov 21:24    "Proud," "Haughty," "Scoffer," are his names, Who acts with insolent pride.
There is no place in the presence of God for the lifting up of self!  Pride and arrogance, haughtiness and loftiness all work to frustrate God’s design for man.  The verse below says volumes.  One is in pursuit of self, the other just wants love.   GOD IS LOVE!  
Prov 9:8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, Reprove a wise man and he will love you.
Jas 1:20   for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
I believe it as safe to say the PRIDE OF MAN DOES NOT ACHIEVE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD!  It cannot!

Isa 2:11 The proud look of man will be abased And the loftiness of man will be humbled, And the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.
The verse above catches the gist of our thinking.  Where there is pride, there is no room for God!  Humility allows us to approach God, pride prevents!  The LORD ALONE will be EXALTED!

My Prayer:
Take away our pride, Oh God, that we may love abundantly.  Teach us humility that we may approach you and have access to you.  Help us to deny, die and be crucified to self, that you alone Lord will be exalted.  Help us to sanctify you in our hearts Oh God.  
In Jesus precious name                Amen