Dear Soldier,
In our previous post from two weeks ago, I left you with a quote by Bruce Lee: “Empty your cup so that it may be filled; become devoid to gain totality.”
Now, let’s break it down into simple steps:
1. Acknowledge Pride as a Sin:
– Reference: Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
– Solution: Recognize pride as a sin and confess it before God.
Consider the order of words in this verse. The Bible mentions pride before a haughty spirit for a reason. Reading in context is crucial. Reflect on why a haughty spirit is mentioned. It all begins with pride. I’m not pointing fingers; this blog post is a reminder for me as much as it is for you. Let’s address this issue together as the body of Christ. To thrive in this year, we need to confront it head-on, thoroughly and sincerely. Are you with me?
A haughty spirit, as mentioned in Proverbs 16:18, refers to an attitude of arrogance, pride, or excessive self-importance. It is a state of mind characterized by a disdainful, scornful attitude towards others, often accompanied by an inflated sense of one’s own superiority. In the context of the verse, a haughty spirit is presented as a consequence of pride and is associated with impending downfall or negative outcomes. Recognizing and addressing a haughty spirit involves humbling oneself before God and others, acknowledging the need for a change in attitude and behavior.
2. Cultivate Humility:
– Reference: James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
– Solution: Actively seek humility from God.
This may be a really HUMBLING process as God chastises those he loves. Before you can be truly humble enough to deal with humans, let us start with the foundation of humbling ourselves before the father. Just know, it may not be a fun process, LOL, I mean it. You may cry, because GOD really specializes in humbling us. He does.
And just so you know, it is not a day’s job, it’s a lifetime one. So , before you go on this path, get ready for a life long journey in being humbled by Abba.
3. Pray for a Humble Heart:
– Reference: Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
– Solution: Pray for God to reveal and transform any prideful tendencies in your heart. Be intentional about this prayer, understanding that God might place you in situations to test your response to pride. Remember, when you pray, God answers with active transformation: you will need to be VERY INVOLVED in this process and it may be painful, I repeat.
4. Meditate on Christ’s Example:
– Reference: Philippians 2:5-8 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing…”
– Solution: Reflect on the humility of Christ as a model for your own behavior.
5. Submit to God’s Will:
– Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
– Solution: Wholeheartedly surrender your plans and desires to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over your life. When God corrects you, view it as an opportunity for learning and growth. Embrace His correction with a submissive heart, recognizing that true transformation occurs when you yield to His guidance and wisdom.
One valuable lesson I’ve learned, and continue to embrace, is being completely open and willing to accept God’s guidance and correction. I’ve sought for Him to reveal even the smallest of my faults, to understand where I might be going wrong. It’sincredible how He truly communicates when we approach Him with an open heart.
6. Seek Accountability:
– Reference: Proverbs 27:6 – “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
– Solution: Surround yourself with accountable friends or mentors who can lovingly correct and guide you. Trust me, you need it.
7. Practice Servanthood:
– Reference: Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
– Solution: Actively seek opportunities to serve others selflessly, prioritizing their needs above your own. Engaging in selfless service is a practical step to address the root causes of pride, offense, and subsequently, unforgiveness. When you intentionally invest your time and energy in helping others, it shifts your focus from self-centered thoughts to a more compassionate and understanding perspective.
Service allows you to break free from the entanglements of pride by fostering humility. As you actively involve yourself in acts of kindness and service, you contribute to creating a healthier and more forgiving environment within your relationships and community.
8. Choose Forgiveness:
– Reference: Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
– Solution: Extend forgiveness to those who have offended you, releasing any grudges.
Remember, transformation is a process, and through prayer, intentional effort, and reliance on God’s grace, one can overcome the stronghold of pride.
This year, let’s make a conscious effort to walk in love. As I express these sentiments, I do so with the aspiration that should someone greatly hurt or upset you in the course of the year, you can revisit these words as a gentle nudge to remember that just as you have received grace, you should also extend grace (Matthew 18:21-35). Remember to pray for those who wrong you (Matthew 5:44). Walking in love is not just a mere action; it is a conscious decision that harmonizes with the principles of grace, compassion, and an understanding of the significance of humility.
I suggest emptying yourself of pride to nurture God-given friendships and relationships. Not every friend is ‘seasonal’; some are destined connections that pride can jeopardize if left unchecked.
Yours,
Sharon Paulina Boye
February 21, 2024
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