Pride comes before a fall…
It’s one of those verses I’ve quietly whispered to myself in instances in my life where I can tell I’m not willing to waiver on something for personal, usually selfish, reasons. It’s something I’ve quietly observed regarding the stubborn, hardened heart. The “fall” may not be a literal one, even though I’ve witnessed that it can be, but the “fall” may be a figurative one. Falling away of a healthy relationship, for instance. Falling away from a good job or business venture. What I’m saying is that sometimes the number 1 saboteur, is us.
We are all given the same opportunities, it’s our choices and our reactions that can make us or break us. We all have the power to make life altering choices, good or bad. Where we can alter the course of our lives, is how quickly can we acknowledge that we’ve made a bad decision? And then, where we can stumble is when we refuse to (in our uninformed minds) show “weakness” and ask for help. The refusal to change the course we’ve put ourselves on, just because we think we can’t admit we made a mistake, is prideful. You will fall.
To ask for help and admit defeat is probably one of the most vulnerable places a human may find themselves in. However, the process of change may only come from a moment of defeat. It takes great strength to show humility. Unfortunately, we’ve drank the Kool-Aide and believe that an admittance of defeat is equivalent to actually being defeated. That is unfortunate and it’s wrong. Change, improvement, etc. can only come from a place of humility that admits, “oh crap, I messed up, I need help to get back on track”.
This same broken, humbleness is what makes a way to Christ possible. It’s the only way. It’s in our brokenness that we seek truth. In our admittance that we need a Savior that we acknowledge our required dependence on HIM who laid down all, for us.
But, pride comes before a fall.
I’ve sadly been privy to front row seats to witness people’s lives that have been devastated, that their beautiful blessings were completely squandered, due to their short-sightedness. I pray God spare me from continuing to see this; yet because I’ve witnessed this, my heart for the lost is that much more burdened.
Please don’t misunderstand, faith is not a magic wand that makes the trials of this earth go away. But… it gives us perspective. We know that the trials are temporary. We are able to change our lives and display a repentant heart. In that brokenness we can reconcile relationships and rebuild bridges that we perhaps were very quick to tear down. Now, in faith… the rebuilding of a bridge may take a very long time. To build, always takes longer than it does to tear it down.
King David was not a man after God’s own heart because he was perfect. He was a man after God’s own heart because he recognized his failing and repented.
There is no greater evidence of a repentant heart, than a changed life. And there is nothing more beautiful than a reconciled life. But… pride comes before a fall.