 By James H. Cagle |
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look” (Proverbs 6: 16, 17 KJV).
We cannot say too much against pride. We cannot warn too much against pride. We cannot point out too much the many that have been ruined by pride. Pride first caused the fall of Lucifer who then became Satan. Satan is what he is, the archenemy of God, as a result of his pride.
Pride is said to be “having a high opinion of oneself.” Lucifer who was the highest angel of God was brought down because of his pride — “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit” (Is. 14: 12-15). Not only did Lucifer originally have great power and authority, but he also had great beauty according to Ezekiel 28: 12-15. But all that Lucifer was and all that he had was given to him by God. But instead of humbling himself before God and worshipping Him and giving Him glory, Lucifer became proud of what he was, and usurps himself by rebelling against his Maker and now a place in Hell awaits him.
Though no man has ever had or will ever have the power, position, and beauty that Lucifer had, man is still a very proud creature. And like Lucifer, everything that man has pride towards came from God. Man is proud of his position, power, and beauty. He is proud of all his attainments and gives himself credit for attaining them.
But man is also proud of the fact that he can choose a path of sin and rebellion and defiance against God and seemingly get away with it. Though man uses his powers and capabilities to rebel against God, God continues to give him those capabilities.
June is “pride month”. All those who have proudly defied a Thrice-holy God, rejected His will, turned from His way, and take pride in living in a way that is an abomination to God, will let their pride show. They will celebrate their sin publicly, with the help of their sponsors, much like I’m sure Sodom and Gomorrah did.
These individuals are proud of how far they’ve come. They’ve gone from hiding in the closet to some of the highest offices in government. They’re proud of how they’ve become an organized network succeeded in getting laws enacted that demand respect for their life style.
Some may call this progress but it isn’t. Homosexuality is the first and most evident sign of a society upon which God has turned His wrath and judgment (Rom.1:18-32). We celebrate a single day, Memorial Day, for those who gave their all to defend America, while some celebrate a whole month for those who are giving their all to destroy America. There is much pride for sin today, but eternity will offer nothing but shame, regret, and pain beginning on Judgment Day (Rev. 20: 11-15).
While many celebrate their sin and pride this month, Christians should take this month to humble themselves and pray for revival (2 Chron, 7: 14) and pray for God’s mercy on a godless nation.
