PathFinder Ministries

Pride

A - "The best kind of pride is that which compels a man to do his best work, even when no one is looking."

S - Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. ~ Proverbs 13:10

A - Have you been able to identify with any of the obstacles we've looked at (busyness, the unknown, the Enemy's misconceptions)? Or has your journey with God been smooth sailing thus far? Today's lesson may well cause a few disruptions along your path. Whether you want to admit it or not, we all deal with a prideful spirit from time to time. The belief of pride says - "I can take it from here God. If I need your help, I know where to find you. I want to make sure I get the praise and recognition for all I do."

It's time for reflection... What are your motives for what you do or don't do for God? Who are you trying to please and glorify - God or self? Why are you wanting to find and follow God's path to His purposes for your life? Is it for your own selfish ambition? Is it so you'll look godly to others? Is it so you can feel good about yourself and your life? Pride is the root of many things - one of them being our motives. No one loves a prideful heart more than Satan. He is thrilled when he sees and hears of impure motives because of our selfish pride.

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus confronts the Pharisees about their motives. "... on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." (Matthew 23:28) In Matthew 6:1-2, 5, Jesus warns of "acts of righteousness", all done with the motive of being seen and heard by others.

Does God really care about our motives? Does it really matter why we do things as long as we do them? Proverbs 16:2 tells us that..."All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord." What will God do at His time of judgement? "He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts." (I Corinthians 4:5) I would venture to say that God cares a great deal about our motives, wouldn't you.

P - Let's all do an inventory of our motives today? Are you serving God because you love Him and want to please and glorify Him? Are you wanting to fulfill His purposes so your life will matter and make a difference? Take time to search your heart and mind, remembering that you can't hide your thoughts or motives from God!

Next Time....Sin