Prideful Character

Webster's dictionary defines pride in the following ways:

1. the quality or state of being proud; a reasonable or justifiable self-respect; delight or elation arising from an act, possession or relationship.

2. proud or disdainful behavior or treatment.

In Isaiah 14, the Word says, "How have you fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn." Morning star in Latin actually means Lucifer. The language of the scripture starts to change as Lucifer's language is quoted again and again saying, "I will raise my throne above the stars of God...I will make myself like the Most High" (vs 13-14 NIV). A few years ago Ron Kenoly was doing a seminar for worship leaders and stated that the only one to ever get thrown out of heaven was a worship leader. Everyone who was attending laughed, but the room got quiet very quickly as the weight of the statement took hold.

And therein lies the rub for worship leaders, as the Word clearly defines those who may ascend the holy hill of the Lord, "He who has clean hands and a pure heart" (Psalm 24). Pride is not clean; it is the most classic stealer of potential, as pride feeds all the wrong components needed for a healthy inner being. We were never designed to receive glory, only to give glory. That is why when people wrongly try to take it for themselves, it will eventually end up blowing them up, so to speak. Humility is the antidote: "To be clothed with humility" (1 Peter 5:5). Humilty is your strongest secret weapon in life. Pride and humility, just like light and dark, have a very hard time hanging out together. Pride, which seems to show itself so slowly, and often in the form of self-righteousness, has always been the downfall of the prominent, so-called successful person.

One of the fastest ways to confront your own heart if it is out of line, is to simply look at your hidden life of service. Servanthood will quickly reveal your true measure of humility, especially serving and giving where no one knows about it. So let's keep it simple; become a low maintenance servant. Not needing accolades and not seeking constant affirmation, just happy to serve. It's the least we can do. When it comes to worship, it should be the most unselfish and most important thing we ever do--for Him alone, and through Him by grace. In other words, emptying ourselves of all we are and offering our lives again as a living sacrifice for His glory.

Just some thoughts on what has been on my heart lately. God has a way of kicking our butts sometimes, but it's always to get us back on track to better serve Him. If your like me, realizing this is the hardest and most uncomfortable thing to confront. Sometimes we need to take a step back, look at ourselves in the mirror, and battle our internal struggles head on...

Will you desire to be more attractive or important than others?
Are you serving for God or for yourself?
Who will receive the glory today?

More to come VERY soon...