Beware of stubborn pride
Today's Devotion, Beware of stubborn pride. Stubborn pride refers to someone who is stubborn or who is determined to do what they want and is very unwilling to change their mind. There are times when stubbornness is a sin and there are times when it is not a sin.
If you are stubborn in telling the truth, obeying the law, or staying faithful, these are good and godly traits. When stubbornness comes with pride, it is a sin. Stubborn pride is a refusal to change.
This is when you are set in holding on to your own way, even when you know that you are wrong. It is an unwillingness to listen to others or accept wise counsel. Rejecting advice can be a bad thing, especially when someone is of the opinion that their way is the only way when it is not.
Stubborn pride prevents people from admitting mistakes, saying sorry, or asking for help. In Proverbs 18 verse 12 it is written, Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. My brothers and sisters in Christ, an arrogant, prideful attitude leads to failure and ruin, while a humble attitude prepares a person for respect, blessing, and honor.
When stubborn pride and prejudice join forces, destruction will be their result. In Psalm 101 verse 5 it is written, Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy. The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, him I will not endure.
In 1 Samuel 15 verse 23 it is written, For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he rejected you as king. Heavenly Father, we pray for those who are stubborn and because of their pride they are disobedient and do not take advice.
Because of King Pharaoh's stubborn pride caused him to repeatedly refuse your commands, bring ten plagues upon Egypt. Lord, give us the wisdom to learn from others so we do not allow ungodly things to happen to us. Lord, I come before you knowing that stubborn pride is not accepted by you.
In James 4 verse 6 it is written, But he gives us more grace. That is why scripture says, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Father, break the root of stubbornness and self-righteousness within me and remove everything that is not accepted by you so that I can live in peace with others. Teach me how to listen, how to submit to wise counsel, and how to apologize when I am wrong.
All these I ask in Jesus name, Amen.
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