It’s Never Too Late to Live for Christ

05/24/21 – 05/31/21

Surrendering Our Pride

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  05/29/21

Many false teachers start out with good intentions but then fall victim to pride. We must be sure to not make the same mistake.

Read 2 Peter 2:10-16. Many false teachers do not start out as false teachers; rather, they are simply people who have lost their way by thinking of themselves more highly than they should. Slowly, they exchange the Truth of God’s Word for their own feelings, opinions, and interpretations—despising God’s authority in the process (see 2 Peter 2:10).

Pride is at the very core of this blasphemous exchange. When our pride is not surrendered to the Holy Spirit, we become bold and arrogant, thinking that we know better than God. This is the problem with so many false teachers. They critique Scripture, saying, “This is right; this is wrong. This happened; this did not happen.” They judge God’s Word instead of allowing it to judge them.

True believers come to Jesus in a posture of brokenness and humility, not arrogance and self-will. But even genuine believers have the potential to become blind to pride, for it is a subtle foe. That is why every one of us needs faithful friends to hold us accountable.

Friend, God is patient, but He will not be mocked. Whether you are at the beginning of your Christian walk or have been following Christ for years, ask God today to reveal if there is any hidden sin in your heart. He alone can save us from being ambushed by our pride.

Prayer: Lord, I surrender to You. You alone are all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful. Thank You for Your patience and for the gift of Your Spirit, who leads me to repentance. By Your grace, may I grow in righteousness and humility for Your glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).