Maleficent or Magnificent? We Have a Choice.

Ever notice how hard it is to be around a humble person when you're puffed up with pride? Oh, sorry, maybe it's just me who sees this in myself. Pride is so manipulative and brings out a very rude, controlling spirit. We begin to believe the lie that we are better than everyone and we know better than everyone! We're easily angered and very controlling. Anxiety and stress are our constant companions, too, because people around us are not doing what we want them to do! And we're not getting the attention we believe we deserve. Wah! Wah! Wah! It's just not working for us, is it?

Of course not. God "hates pride and arrogance..."  (Proverbs 8:13). But in His wisdom He will let us squirm and struggle in our prideful state until we get it and repent. King Nebuchadnezzar learned that hard lesson and said about God, "everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble." (Daniel 4:37). God always gives us warnings in Scripture about such sins as pride: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). He is always teaching His children so our relationship with Him can grow deeper. That's how much He loves us. He is amazing.

I know pride has the potential to be a very powerful spiritual bondage because it blinds us to the truth. When we have fallen into the pit of pride we don't see that our behavior can be devilish and can turn into this:

Hah! Yep. It's Maleficent, one of Walt Disney Studios Animated Villains! Please allow me creative license so I can say, "This is what our pride looks like on the inside." I don't see an ounce of humility here!  Nope. 

But God has promised a magnificent life for those who humble themselves and come to Him with child-like faith. In fact, He said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).

"Child-like faith is mature faith. It is wise to have this  kind of faith. It believes God the Father is in total control of all things. It buds, blossoms and bears fruit in the Father's unconditional love. We are talking about how little children who are delightfully alive and free from their burdens because they love and fully trust God as Father. It's like watching young children [us] who are fully aware they are dependent on others [God] to meet their needs; physically, spiritually and emotionally. We are the little children and God is our Father!"

"Humility is the key! God wants all of His children -- from the very young to the very old -- to humble ourselves, and joyfully and gratefully look to Him as our Sovereign Protector and Provider." (Excerpts from Totally Devoted 3, "Child-like Faith is Mature Faith")

A prideful person is usually impatient. A humble personality is more willing to joyfully wait, knowing the Father will take care of everything in her life.

Yes, we have a choice.

Polly

psalm 34:3