“Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

Pride is the cause of man’s fallen condition.  The destruction of our spiritual life; mankind’s God consciousness, came because of satan’s deception.  Satan, the liar (John 8:44), told Eve she shall surely not die but would be as god and Eve believed him.  The devil tempted the lust of Eve’s eyes (she “saw” the tree was good for food), the lust of her flesh (the fruit was pleasant) and the pride her life (her desire to be made wise).

“⁴ And the serpent said unto the woman, You shall not surely die: ⁵ For God does know that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

⁶ And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” Genesis 3:4-5

Satan’s methods have not changed; he continues to tempt and deceive.  What many do not understand is his playground is the church.  Religion abounds in different solutions, methods and philosophies to live an overcoming life. They are cloaked in Scripture and appeal to our eyes, our flesh and the pride of life…wisdom.  The wisdom is earthly, sensual and devilish (James 3:15) and to the unlearned it is equated with the Gospel of Jesus Christ because it seems good.

“There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12

These “good things” puff up; they are the leaven which leavens the whole lump (Galatians 5:9) and results in a haughty spirit.  A haughty and self righteous spirit leads to death because seeing they see not and blindly follow the blind into a ditch (Matthew 13:13, Matthew 15:14).

“⁸ This people draw nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.

⁹ But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:8-9.

These vanities sweep us to and fro when believed.  As a house built on sand, our foundation is quickly washed away when the storms of life come and our faith is placed in those vain philosophies.  Those 40 days of purpose are laid waste. The countless hours on the pew hearing the commandments of man for victory cause the soul to grow weary…there is no rest; no not any.  What tempted our flesh, our eyes deemed pleasant and the wisdom offered appealed to our intellect.  Out of sincerity and zeal we carry on…rebuilding our home on a sandy foundation only to once again be swept away.

“²⁸ Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

²⁹ Take My Yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and y shall find rest unto your souls.

³⁰ For My Yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

The Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified is not only for the sinner but for the Saint as well.  The Cross of Christ broke the power of sin in the Believer’s life.  Jesus Christ is the Source and His Cross the means by which we receive from God…not these vain methods which sound good but lead to death.  Seek Him and He will be found. He stands at the door knocking.

“¹¹ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

¹² Then shall you call upon Me, and you shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you.

¹³ And you shall seek Me, and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13.

-Donna Clark Warren