Devotion 
Think your free from pride? Think again!
David Jacobs 

Imagine a proud person. Are they rich? Perhaps they are in a position of power or prestige that commands respect everyone around them. Or perhaps they take pride in their beauty or looks. But this is only an image of pride. In fact, pride is a human condition that we cannot escape, even if we lack all of these things.

Knowing this, the narratives of the Scriptures repeatedly emphasize the dangers of pride. For example, Saul, who was revealed to be God's chosen leader of Israel, is described as handsome and impressive. Scripture even says that he was without equal among the Israelites (1 Samuel 9:2). God promised to guide him and provide the powerful help of the Holy Spirit in leading the nation. You can see how this might go to someone's head.

Yet, Saul was meant to follow the instructions of God in his role as leader. Due to his pride, he failed in this. He acted as if he was in charge rather than God, and as a result he crumbled under the pressure of leadership rather than be obedient to God.

As Christians, we are all in a similar situation to Saul, being chosen to belong to God's family. God has given His Holy Spirit to dwell within us so that He can use us to empower His plans for the world. When our pride gets in the way of this, we fail in our purpose. God's command is that we put away our pride allow Him to be our guide by humbling ourselves before Him, confessing our sin, and asking for His help in overcoming it.

Prayer 

God, I am prideful. I confess my pride to you, because alone I am not able to overcome it. I recognize that your plan comes first, and so I humble myself before you. I will not walk my own path, but the one that you have laid out for me, and I ask for the guidance of your Holy Spirit.