Open Heavens Devotional For Wednesday 8th November, 2023

BEWARE OF PRIDE II

MEMORIZE

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2Corintians 10:12

Read: 1Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

MESSAGE

Another way by which a person exhibits pride is by comparing their achievements with those of others. Our Bible reading yesterday

(1Kings 19:13–18) showed us that God asked Elijah to anoint his replacements. There is a big lesson to be learnt there. You must never have a ‘holier than thou attitude’ or feel you are doing better than others. You may be more talented or hardworking; however, you must remain humble at all times. The point at which you become proud is where your rising stops. King Saul is another example of this

(1Samuel 15:25-30).

Our Bible reading today tells us clearly that our humility is required before God promotes us. In other words, once you become proud, you become too heavy for God to exalt. You cannot rise without the grace of God, so remain humble, no matter how much you think you have already achieved (James 4:6).

The word of God says clearly that those who compare themselves among themselves are not wise (2Corinthians 10:12). There is only one true judge and that is God. The teacher is in the best position to see his or her students’ mistakes. For example, if we were to ask Joshua, “How well have you done?” he most likely would have said, “Extremely well” since he achieved what Moses could not. However, God said:

Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.

Joshua 13:1

God was essentially saying that Joshua failed because he could not finish his job. Don’t ever think that you are perfect because, if we were to count iniquity, no one would be able to stand (Psalm 130:3). Just thank God for how far He has brought you and pray for others around you. Nobody is better than the other; we must prefer one another in honour (Romans 12:10).

Key Point:

Once you start comparing your achievements to that of others, you stop growing.

Bible in One year:

John 16-17

HYMN:

1. In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All

Here in the love of Christ I stand

2. In Christ alone, who took on flesh

Fullness of God in helpless Babe

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones He came to save

‘Til on that cross as Jesus died

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

3. There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory

Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

4. No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From a life’s first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Could ever pluck me from His hand

‘Til He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I stand

Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is the author of Open Heavens Daily Devotional. One of the most widely read devotionals in the world is this one, which is published every day. It is intended to keep you inspired, encouraged, and elevated by supplying you with God’s Word on a regular basis. This Open Heavens Devotional offers powerful Christian resources that enable readers to achieve their destiny. You are encouraged to get closer to God and give Jesus your entire being.

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