Devotional -Snapshot 19 - Pride

"They do not draw attention to themselves. ...They love you more than other men do, but they need you less... They will usually seem to have a lot of time: you will wonder where it comes from." Joy C. S. Lewis

"It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor." Proverbs 25:27

"Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips." Proverbs 27:2

"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:12

I catch myself using "I did this" or "I did that" when talking to others. Sometimes I feel ashamed because I know in my heart I told them in order to build up my own image.

I need to remember the above verses when I want to brag, or feel hurt by some overlooked thing, or begin to feel urgent at promoting the talents or gifts of my husband and children. Someone else got the credit for something I had done while working in the hospital and because of "privacy laws" I could not say anything. It has to be enough that God knows. Leave it in His care. "Self" wants to show off. But my new nature whispers 'leave it alone.'

"The Lord sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and exalts." 1Samuel 2:7

What is it you need people to notice? Is it well behaved children, your hard work on the job, your cooking, your sewing, your craft, your punctuality, your lawn, your organizational skills, your flexibility, your sacrifices, your musical abilities, your art, your husband's title, athletic ability....on and on. All these are good things but can be a source of pride. Spend time with the Lord about this. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you whenever you are bragging.