16-Biblical Anger Management- C Factors 2- Pride

 

                                                                  2 -PRIDE-

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:3

“Everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand he shall not be unpunished.” Proverbs 16:5

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth do I hate.” Proverbs 8:13

            “Anger is the sister of Pride.” Mme Gyhon

 Pride is our most common folly and a major source for many of our troubles and faults, and one of our greatest obstacles in overcoming anger. In fact, when pride is involved in anger, sin is likely the by-product. As previously mentioned, pride can be a cover-up for fears, insecurities, hurts etc…, but a dangerous antidote nonetheless. Again, these must be surrendered to the Lord for healing and deliverance lest the devil gets a foothold in us through them.

 Pride is most easily recognized by such attitudes and behaviors as; having to have one’s own way, having to be right (breeds contentions and quarrels), being uncorrectable and unteachable, uncooperative, being unable to admit being wrong, argumentative, self-righteous, easily offended, getting even/revengeful, superior, easily offended especially when opposed, challenged, or questioned; unforgiving, irreconcilable, easily and quickly angered. These are also possible cover-ups and reactions of fears, anxieties, hurts, insecurities,…, and even just incomplete character development.(“…but a child left to himself  brings his mother to shame.” Proverbs 29:15). Nevertheless these are serious and even dangerous attitudes and behaviors that must be repented of and or repaired every time we see it crop up in our lives. Because pride is so prone to our sinful nature, we must be on guard against it and walk in humility by God’s grace.

 

IS THIS YOU? STOP-CONSIDER-DECIDE-TAKE IT TO JESUS IMMEDIATELY, HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN DELIVER YOU FROM YOURSELF- THE CROSS IS THE WAY

 

NOTE- Pride is a fierce and relentless opponent. It is always ready to defend and justify itself, have its way, and refuses to surrender. Pride may need to suffer many strong blows before it is willing to yield if it finds an agreement in you. The price can be extremely costly and painful if we refuse to surrender. What will it be?

We need Jesus, and to surrender to His walk of humility and faith. “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says, ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.” James 4:6

 

NOTE- Often we have the feeling ‘I don’t feel like it, or, I don’t feel like doing it.

           That is like the flesh and or pride that is resisting the Word and The

            Spirit of God. This is where humility and faith comes in, takes the Cross and dies. Then His new life comes forth in us!

Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit.” John 12:24.

 

 Pride will stand in the way of your desire to change and improve. It is not an alley, it is and enemy. Treat it like one. Any agreements negotiated with it will feel reasonable and just (that is why it is such an effective tool against us in the hands of the devil); however it will secure your ultimate failure.

 

ALERT/MINDSET!!

 Pride is a foe that we will and must struggle with all our lives. Humility is absolutely crucial for our success before Him. He provides the Sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ to cleanse us, His Word and His Holy Spirit to help us in every way we need. We can and will succeed!   Praise His Holy Name! “I can do all things through Christ Which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

 

ACTION STEPS 1- Run to Jesus immediately, confess your sin, and ask Him to

                                Forgive and help you. The cross of Jesus is where it must be nailed to!

STOP---DO SO NOW!!!

                            2-Prepare for and determine to submit to changing your thinking

                               and your ways: a. determine to trust Him to care for you and

                                              help you, (keeps us from fighting for self-preservation)

                                                         b. determine to attempt to always put Him and

                                              and others first. Pride hates to be abased.

                                                         c. determine to keep your motives and desires

                                               pure before Him at all times. This will require you to

                                               constantly monitor your thoughts, interests, habits,

                                               behavior, and speech. Pro.22:11, Matt.12:35

                                                Pride is the heroic defender of our corruption and self.

          d. determine to receive instruction, rebuke and

correction and be accountable to authorities. Pride wants to rule and

be right, give it’s opinions, be first, and have its own way.

          e. begin to humble yourself further by confessing your faults admitting your wrongs and getting help when necessary. Pride fears humiliation and weakness.

f. practice exercising yourself in faith and Holy Spirit led self-denial and disciplines, but note that if Pride gets an opportunity it will take credit for these.

          g. decide and commit to follow Jesus by His grace in a walk of faith, hope, and love. Pride cannot operate in or by these.

 

NOTE- We don’t decide to do these just to free ourselves from the grip of pride. If that is our reason we lose already. We do these things because these are God’s will.

 Summary; Embrace the CROSS of the Lord Jesus Christ, where we die to ourselves, to the world and all the vanities therein, and thus Christ comes alive in us. Galatians 2:20, 6:14.

Again, this is not just a religious expression, this is a life-changing experience!

 

                STOP – CONSIDER – DECIDE – TAKE IT TO JESUS AND SURRENDER