Remember, that pride is the worst viper that is in the heart, the greatest disturber of the souls peace, and of sweet communion with Christ: it was the first sin committed, and lies lowest in the foundation of Satan’s whole building, and is with the greatest difficulty rooted out, and is the most hidden, secret, and deceitful of all lusts, and often creeps insensibly into the midst of religion, even, sometimes, under the disguise of humility itself. – Jonathan Edwards
In Humility: True Greatness, C.J. Mahaney reminds us that as we grow in our desire for God, we’ll see not a lessening of sin’s opposition, rather an intensification of opposition. He cites John Owen; “There is no duty we perform for God that sin does not oppose. And the more spirituality or holiness there is in what we do, the greater is its enmity to it. Thus, those who seek the most for God experience the strongest opposition.” – p.132
As we grow in Christ, are we expecting increased opposition and watching out for our tendency to pride? God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. He promises to look to those who are humble and contrite in spirit. (Isaiah 66:2).
Among many practical battle plans offered to fight pride, C.J. says we need to invite correction and accountability from others. We are often blind to our faults but see the faults in others. Please slap me gently and preach the gospel to me if you see me going down the wrong path.
