That ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Revelation 12:9

A pedestal of pride looks down on other inferior souls. It is a position of self-worship that threatens integrity and influence. Like a drug, pride is addictive and impairs good judgment. If it could be packaged as a pill in a prescription bottle the label would read, “Warning, taken too often in large doses may lead to a great fall, even death.” If we don’t wake up from this narcissistic dream it will turn into a hellish nightmare. Relationships will be wrecked and reputations will be ruined.

Similar to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, the shifty devil is enemy to the woman and all who are under her influence. The dragon (Satan) tries to devour the woman’s son, but He is protected by God and exalted to His heavenly throne (12:4-5). This war in heaven, prompted by Satan’s pride to usurp God’s authority (Isaiah 14:12-15), results in his fall to earth with a third of the angels with him. Pride left unchecked brings heartache and a hellish descent to its prey.

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12)!

A prayerful posture dethrones pride and replaces it with humility. By faith, Jesus is able to storm the gates of hell, take captive the enemy and release us from the prison of pride. The Lord lifts us out of the slimy pit of pride and sets us on His solid rock of righteousness. It is firm, because our feet are solidly planted on the ground of grace. Thus, we are careful to see ourselves as God sees us: needy and dependent on His Spirit.

You will stand firm by faith in Christ and trust that He is in control. Let go and let God make you whole. Let go and the Lord will take you further faster. Let go and Christ will make you content. Let go and the Spirit will show you the way. Let go and Jesus will give you joy. Let go of pride, replace it with humility, and you will stand firm by faith. Pride has no place in the personality of a child of God. You are the result of grace alone—the Lord lifts up the humble to stand firm in Him.

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:2).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, occupy my heart and mind with Jesus and remove my prideful occupation with self.

Application: What pedestals of pride in my life need to be removed and replaced with a humble heart?

Related Readings: 1 Samuel 17:42; Psalm 18:27; Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 13:11; Romans 12:16

 

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