Romans 8:13 states: “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” – The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (electronic ed.) . Good News Publishers: Wheaton.
Pride influences all of the “deeds of the body” and must be put to death! I often say, “Either you humble yourself or the Lord will humble you!” The Lord humbled Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, the prophets of Baal, Diotrephes, and the Pharisees. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want God to humble me like He did those people! God loves us enough to humble us in a loving, convicting way.
In this brief blog, the best, quick advice I can give you is to do good deeds and spiritual disciplines in secret without others seeing your good works! According to Matthew 6, pray, fast, give money, help others, and read your Bible privately without seeking the praise of mankind. These spiritual disciplines are to be done in secret, not announced to the whole world with a trumpet and a parade! These are things the Christian ought to do willingly. The only Person a Christian must receive approval from is the Lord.
After we put-off pride, we are to put-on humility which is strength under control. An explosive, angry man is not humble. In fact, with anyone who struggles with anger, you will find a prideful heart directing those moments of explosive outbursts. In time, an angry person can become more Spirit-controlled and humble. There is hope for change and the Bible is explicit in how to change!
We are so honored to have the privilege to see people change over a period of time through biblical counseling!
Prov. 14:29: “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” – The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (electronic ed.) Good News Publishers: Wheaton.
-Mark (trying to put-off pride and put-on humility moment by moment by God’s grace!)