• Options
• Login
• Register
• Switch to desktop style

The Pride of Life

• Index

  • The Fighting Fundamental Forums
  • General Category
  • The Fighting Forum
  • The Pride of Life
• The Pride of Life

• The Pride of Life

  praise_yeshua > 06-20-2016, 03:05 PM

  I John 2:16
  
  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
  
  Oft times, when you hear 1 John 2:16 quoted in any sermon, you only get "part of the story". Its common for ministers to focus more on the "lust of the flesh" and the "lust of the eyes" part of the verse. Though I believe most ministers err when discussing these two topics. They'd generally rather focus on clothing and superficial actions than deal with how our flesh and eyes lusts in envy, bitterness, jealousy, and lies. Most "church folk" wouldn't dare wear something revealing but they sure don't mind lying and being bitter toward their brother and sister in Christ. I'm reminded that when the early church "had all things common", it didn't take long before "where the money was going" became an issue. The problem is rooted in our very fallen nature. 
  
  However, I believe John has a very real purpose in mentioning the "pride of life" last in this verse. I don't believe this purpose was to declare the "pride of life" was any less important than the others. No. Rather, I believe it was to deal with the progression of sin in our lives. Let me explain. The phrase "pride of life" can more accurately be translated as "the pride of living". Living this life makes us proud! As we walk through this life conquering the various obstacles we all face, we often become proud of our ways. In fact, this can become a very dangerous sin in our lives. "Overcoming the world" isn't about getting a great paying job or starting your own business. "Overcoming the world" isn't about how many zeros are at the end of your banking account balance or the value of your stock portfolio. Its not about how many years you had on the job or about being on time and working late. Its not about the house you built or the acreage you own. The kids you put through college or wife/husband you've been faithful to for many years. Its not about the church you've built or the memberships you lead. Its not about the offerings or the gifts. Its not about the tithe you've paid or the blessing you've EARNED. Humility doesn't care about such things. 
  
  Just living this life will make you proud. We have to admit it. It doesn't matter if there is something we can't "conquer" in this life. We will justify our own actions with all the other "things" we've accomplished. If anything, this age we live in, might just be the worst in the history of humanity. Our feelings of accomplishment in the things we do, often rob us of any sense of humility. 
  
  Then there are those who revel in their humility. Some people are very proud of their humility. They won't let you forget it. They suffered so much from their humility everyone needs to stop and recognize it or they just aren't thankful to God for their service. 
  
  To whom should we feel important? Even when we say "God alone", we often don't really mean it. How do we know? Well, I'm afraid we have to find the end of ourselves to really know. Many times this is a difficult, time consuming, process. Life, ultimately is designed by God to teach us humility. As we age, we should recognize the vanity of our prideful ways. Peter mentioned the "fiery trial" that comes to try us.  That "trial" isn't one to show God what we're made of. He already knows. Its to show US, what we're made of. Humility isn't too proud to ask for help. Humility isn't too proud to realize someone can do things differently and still please God. Usually, when we get to the point we can't help ourselves, we often realize just how full of pride we really have become. 
  
  As mankind continues to conquer the many problems that come with living this life we live, we should never forget that we're just feeble, needy creatures. Its but by the grace of God we can do much of anything in this life.... and NO, the grace of God isn't proudly bestowed upon you. Its because of the wondrous work of Christ. IF we are to be like Christ, then lets never forget what humility Christ showed toward humanity. 
  
  Php 2:6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 
  Php 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 
  Php 2:8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 
  
  It was a humiliation for Christ to become man. He made Himself "insignificant" in becoming like sinful humanity. He endured the cross, "despising" the shame. 
  
  Even at our greatest. We are nothing to be compared to our Lord. Our Master. Jesus Christ. I believe Paul something like this in mind when he wrote..
  
  2Ti 2:20  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
  2Ti 2:21  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
  
  No matter how far we've come. No matter how much we've accomplished, our houses are still full of "wood" and "earth". This life is meant to scourge us. To train us. To teach us about our prideful ways. Ultimately, all men are brought low to the earth. Grounded in the dust of their humanity. 
  
  Heb 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
  
  Even those in Christ have to learn just what they are......
  
  I'm glad this life isn't the end of such things for those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We look for new things.
• Next Oldest Next Newest