Dangerous Possessions.

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” James. 4:6.

I read about a certain bishop, who was a horse owner. He had a couple of horses. The fascinating thing about him is that he had two horses whose names are very peculiar. They're named Pride and Prejudice. He said on one occasion that people thought it was awful that a bishop should name his horses by such a name. They further prodded that it literally means being 

drawn and carried here and there by Pride and Prejudice, but he reassured them that it was a wonderful thing that a Bishop would have Pride and Prejudice under control. 

That’s a wonderful thing for any of us. It is the test of our manhood and womanhood that we are able to deny ourselves. The world says that to be a real man or a real woman we must give in to pleasure, but that’s absurd. Any creature can give in to natural impulses. “For me the way my horses are rammed reminds me that we can conquer Pride and Prejudice.”

Overcoming pride and prejudice as a believer requires an intentional, spiritual, and relational shift toward humility and love, replacing self-exaltation with Christ-centeredness. Pride thrives in a life that assumes self-sufficiency and lacks prayer. To overcome it, believers must daily ask God to search their hearts and reveal hidden pride, biases, or prejudicial attitudes. Pride drives people to seek to be served, whereas humility seeks to serve others, considering them more important than oneself. Prejudice creates partiality, but serving others breaks down these barriers. 

Prejudice often involves judging others as inferior or "unclean" based on background, race, or status, which contradicts God's view. Believers must see others as God sees them—made in His image and recipients of his grace.  Pride craves recognition, while humility serves quietly, breaking down the barriers that foster prejudice. Jesus, who washed the disciples' feet, an act reserved for the lowest servant, has practically taught you and I how to live as a believer if our lives must become exemplary. We must be willing to engage in acts of service toward those who cannot repay or those that we  are tempted to look down on. Serving those outside of our social or cultural comfort zone breaks down personal prejudices. Selah.

FURTHER READING:

“Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter. 5:5.

“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matt. 23:12.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, forgive me for the times I have thought myself superior, or have judged others based on their background, personality, or differences. Please help me to see others the way You see them—with love, compassion, and grace. Grant me the humility to think of myself less, and to see when pride has crept into my heart, trying to take over. Tear down any walls of division I have built and replace them with bridges of understanding in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Kings. 20:1-43.

1 Kings. 21:1-29.

1 Kings. 22:1-53.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“Pride And Prejudice Are Dangerous Possessions That Should Not Be Owned By A Believer.”