Pride is man’s most subtle and constantly encroaching enemy. By it we elevate ourselves above others, and even God at times. It can turn us into mockers rather than servants. We daily need to examine ourselves to see if we are walking in humility and freedom in Christ, or if pride in ourselves or our accomplishments prevail. Apart from God, we accomplish nothing.

In God’s Kingdom, the kind of personal ambition I’m speaking of becomes the enemy of God’s will for your life; this sort of ambition is centered in pride. In the world this is very normal and applauded. But those who have been called out of worldly living into Kingdom living need to see ambition that promotes oneself for what it is. If we fail to, we will not prosper in the Lord. I Peter 5:6 says, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (KJV)

One way we can see pride’s ugly head is in the way we treat others when we are wronged. Pride has caused all of us to react wrongly at times; this response dwells in us through our sinful human nature. God works with us; constantly speaking through circumstances to get us to see this. Listen to His voice, and obey Him. The only way to overcome our natural man, the flesh, is through humbly surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s voice and obeying what He speaks to us. True humility comes only from the Holy Spirit; it’s a gift of His grace to us.

So, the next time you are interacting with someone you don’t agree with, check yourself. Are you reacting out of pride? Or are you practicing being like Christ — responding with humble confidence that comes from God. We can respond rightly. We are instructed to speak the Truth in love (Eph. 4:15), with humility.

Theologian, teacher, Derek Prince is a beautiful example of a man who taught the truth of God’s Word in wisdom, with authority and humility. Recently while listening to a sermon of his, I noted that when addressing an issue that bible scholars agree the details are such that only God can possibly know, he will say, “this is my understanding” or “my theory, it may not be true, but to the best of my understanding…”. I like that. He was educated as a scholar of Greek and Latin at Eton College and Cambridge University, England, he held a Fellowship in Ancient and Modern Philosophy at King’s College. He also studied several modern languages, including Hebrew and Aramaic, at Cambridge University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I admire the qualities in this man who, while highly educated, teaches in humility and the fear of God.

We are in the last days; false teachers abound. Deception is the key word associated with the last days in scripture. We see throughout the Bible those who want to make a name for themselves (Personal Ambition), paid a great price for their foolishness. Teachers are given great responsibility and warning (James 3:1-2) concerning what they teach and speak. Teaching false doctrine and leading many astray is grievous to God. It also destroys relationships, harming the precious Body of Christ. In Galatians chapter 3, Paul confronts those who error in this way. He even had to deal with Peter, the apostle. So too, we must be careful about being bewitched.

We need to heed the warning to humble ourselves before God and allow Him to lift us up. Do not allow your own ideas, spiritual insights, personal revelations or prophetic insights cause you to go down the road of deception. Rather, humble yourself and He will raise you up and give you the position God desires for you. If you have errored, repent and turn to those who can help you walk in a new way. If you will, the Holy Spirit will help you to arrest your ambitions from taking you where God never intended you to go.

“God is more concerned with our character than with our achievements. Achievements have importance only in the realm of time. Character is eternal. It determines what we will be through eternity.” — Derek Prince

Sermon on Pride by Derek Prince (6 Min excerpt)

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