Pride...

I've read this poem by Beth Moore several times and every single time I read it, it still strikes me the same way.  We are so tempted to become prideful, especially those of us who are in leadership.  We live in a glass house and everyone is always watching so, we try to "keep up appearances" and "always do the right thing." If we aren't careful, we can end up thinking we are better than others.  Pride is a hard thing to keep in check.  Every time I read this poem though, I'm reminded of how very important it is to strive to keep an humble spirit.  Pride will destroy us so quickly.  It really does come before a fall...

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

I cheat you of your God-given destiny,

because you demand your own way.

I cheat you of contentment, 

because you “deserve better than this.”

I cheat you of knowledge,

because you already know it all.

I cheat you of healing,

because you are too full of you to forgive.

I cheat you of holiness,

because you refuse to admit when you are wrong.

I cheat you of vision,

because you’d rather look in the mirror than out a window.

I cheat you of genuine friendship, 

because nobody’s going to know the real you.

I cheat you of love, 

because real romance demands sacrifice.

I cheat you of greatness in heaven 

because you refuse to wash another’s feet on earth.

I cheat you of God’s glory, 

because I convince you to seek your own.

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

You like me because you think I’m always looking out for you.

Untrue.

I’m looking to make a fool of you.

God has so much for you, I admit, but don’t worry…

If you stick with me you’ll never know.

 

XOXO,

Amberly