20 Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod’s country for food. The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod’s personal assistant,21 and an appointment with Herod was granted. When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. 22 The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!”
23 Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died. Acts 12:20-23
Just as with Usman "Uzzy" Ahmed, the boxer in this video, Herod's pride led to his fall. Pride makes strong men weak. According to Dictionary.com pride is a high or inordinate opinion of ones own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority. Do you think that the "great" things you have accomplished are because of how awesome you are? Do you think that your own strength, intelligence, or determination is really what has made you successful? Do you go around dancing and celebrating yourself like Uzzy? We are successful because God gives us the strength, intelligence, and determination. It is NEVER about us. Once we start making ourselves the main character in the story, we have made an idol out of ourselves. We have a high opinion of our own superiority. That's pride.
It says in Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
I have allowed pride to cause me to fall many times in my life. When I was 14, I spent 6 weeks in the hospital, and 2 months in a body cast because I decided I knew more than my parents did. It was my pride, thinking I was so smart and my parents were so ridiculous. As a man, I now find myself doing the same thing I did when I was a kid...I think I know more than my Father. I think I know what's best for me. I think I can do everything on my own. I think I know it all. This is a lie. The only "I" statement I should make is "I need Jesus". I have to constantly guard myself against pride, and repent immediately when I see it. Thankfully, we have all been forgiven, and by God's grace through the Holy Spirit I am learning humility, which is the opposite of pride. If you are struggling with pride, ask God to teach you humility as you read His Word. He loves you.
Share a story about how pride has led to a fall in your life.
