Lust and Pride

Pride is something that God hates and can be very dangerous, as well as lust.   These attributes can destroy relationships between friends, family and marital relationships.  Did you ever hear this, or think this; I have to keep up with my neighbor?  Where do these feelings come from?  I would say from our sin nature and worldly desires.  When we lust after something, or someone, we just want our desires met, even if it hurts someone else.  Pride can be very negative thinking that you are better than anyone else and you demonstrate it by your actions, your words and what you possess, usually they have to be the best or better than what anyone else has.

Read this in 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

Worldliness is not always outward behavior but it also comes from within the heart of the person.  This is what it says in the footnotes of my Bible about this subject:  Some people think worldliness is limited to external behavior; people we associate with, places we go, the activities we enjoy.  Worldliness is also internal for it begins in the heart.  It is characterized by 3 attitudes. 1. Lust of the flesh - preoccupation with gratifying physical desires.  2. Materialism; lust of the eyes - craving and accumulating things.  3. Pride of life – obsession with one’s status or importance.  When the serpent tempted Eve, Genesis 3:6, he tempted her in these areas.  Also when the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness these were His three areas of attack.  See Matthew 4:1-11.  By contrast, God values self-control, a spirit of generosity and humble service.  It is possible to avoid worldly pleasures while still harboring worldly attitudes in one’s heart.  It is also possible, like Jesus, to love sinners and spend time with them while maintaining the values of God’s Kingdom. What values are most important to you?  Do your actions reflect the world’s values or God’s values?              

Something to think about!  May your day be filled with the blessings of the Lord and may you walk in His peace, love and joy!!  PS don’t forget to thank and praise the Lord.