Self-deception

Pride is rooted in a lack of self-knowledge or a willing self-deception. It's motivation is self-interest. Often it is hidden in the subtlety of my criticism of others, a critical spirit--perhaps, the most insidious form of pride. In any manifestation, self--pride--is incompatible with the Spirit's purpose in our lives to transform us into the image of Christ. It is the devil's sin--and his weapon against our desire to draw near to God. When I humbly submit to the need I have on a daily basis for cleansing by the Word and for the purifying of my heart of self-love by a confessing--an agreement with God--about the sin in my life, He supplies the forgiving grace that I need to walk in fellowship with Him and other believers--to spend my day walking in the light. And it is such submission, cleansing, confession that resists the devil and sends him fleeing. There is no greater battle to be fought than the one I must fight each day between pride and humility. And the only way to fight the battle is with an honest admission that I need God's forgiving grace daily and that there is more abundant grace available than all my selfish sin. "Thanks be to God who gives the victory through Christ Jesus, our Lord."

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."