“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Luke 18:9-14 KJV
If any sin is worse than another it would be pride. It is sneaky; not in your face like others. We can obey every commandment but if our heart is prideful then we have blown it all! Pride tells us we are good; not like the other guys who have done all of those horrible things! When all other sins have been repented of, be sure pride is still hanging around! Pride justifies! Pride allows. Pride compares. Even down to the lowest of lows, pride says, "but you". When laying it all down, pride will still be hanging on with a grip that must be pried off; he (the spirit of pride) does not leave without a fight.
A spirit of pride is always attached to a religious spirit; the Pharisee is "good" through works, which elevates himself. He's done everything his church says to do, not knowing his church doctrine is wrong.
Long ago, the devil tried to destroy the church; and when he couldn't, he joined it!
The twisting of the scriptures; the elimination of some; emphasis on others, unless one seeks The Truth, for oneself, by diligently reading The Bible, it's easy to fall into trusting in the traditions of man.
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8 KJV
“Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mark 7:7-9 KJV
“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”
Mark 7:6 KJV
It's all about the heart!
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37 KJV
"All thy heart" - leaves no room to love other things!
Remember The Rich Young Ruler?
(Luke 18:18-22) Jesus told him to sell everything he had and give to poor.
He had done everything required by his church, but his heart was not right! He loved his wealth more than God.
Anything we place above Him is an idol: money, spouse, children, houses, careers, hobbies, sports and even pets!
To "follow" Him you must lay everything aside, for God will not share His throne! That's why the admonishment continues daily, to examine your heart! Deal with the sins hiding there! Repent and humble yourself! Get rid of pride, bitterness and unforgiveness that you've held onto since childhood! You want God to fill your temple? Make room! He wants it all, not a corner!
“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:13 KJV
Father, show me the pride that still lingers in my heart, so I may repent! My desire is for You to reign in my heart alone! I lay all of "me" down at Your feet! "God be merciful to me, a sinner!"
Even so - MARANATHA!
From 1/23/17
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