“Through pride and presumption come nothing but strife, But [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel.” 

Proverbs 13:10 AMP

At first glance of our verse today, one might think immediately of pride being an attitude. The Hebrew word here is the word meaning to “audacious or arrogant behavior to which one does not have a right.” It is action that results from one having an overinflated view of one self’s importance, being self-willed and not humble, as a moral failure. Chapter 21 of Proverbs gives us an excellent explanation,

 “Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.” 

Proverbs 21:24 NLT

Notice that the attitude is driving the action! We have seen this time and time again as we watch the evening news. The hardening of the hearts of this generation will ultimately lead to its destruction! The Bible is clear about the activity and goal of our enemy.

“So Jesus said again, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I am [b]the Door for the sheep [leading to life]. 8All who came before Me [as false messiahs and self-appointed leaders] are thieves and robbers, but the [true] sheep did not hear them. 9I am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved [and will live forever], and will go in and out [freely], and find pasture (spiritual security). 10The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” 

John 8-10 AMP

There are many “self-appointed” leaders today, we now use the title, “influencer.” That is exactly the activity of the enemy. His goal is to influence this generation in a way that will lead to their death! He lies and deceives convincing people that God is does not have their nest interest in hand. It is a game that has played out since the beginning of time. Satan was able to convince Eve that God was holding out on them. The result of that encounter was death! This is why it is so important for us to be the men and women that God has recreated in new life! That new life is lived then under the power of the Holy Spirit! Jesus told us that,

“The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27 AMP

We know that Jesus told us that we would “know the truth and the truth would set us free.” If that be the case, we are called then to put that truth into actions. Notice that the verse says that His sheep would “follow Me.” That is what it truly means to be a disciple. Every day and in every way, we should be more conformed to the image of Christ in our lives. When our flesh begins to walk away from the things of God, we must take control and bring it under our command! The Apostle Paul said it best,

“Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on [e]so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. 13[f]Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us stay true to what we have already attained.” Philippians 3:12-16 AMP

We know that we are not perfect. The goal here is that we are on the road of recovery from the effects and influences of sin and self in our lives. Let us press on toward the high calling of Christ in our lives so that He may be glorified! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken