Casting Down the Strongholds of Pride
Ten Tips to Casting out Pride
I first wrote up this list for my own benefit, yet it seemed a good thing to share with others, and being encouraged thus, along with feeling a blessing in it, I have agreed to do so.
Pride seems to be a trap many/all into; or maybe I should say a castle the devil tries to build in many lives. God’s Word teaches us to be humble, as we read in James 4:6: “God resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble.” A proud spirit shows itself in many ways: self righteousness, judging others, family pride, excuses, and in blaming others. This is a stronghold that needs to be cast down. “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds,) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) The weapons of our warfare are listed in Ephesians 6: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” (Ephesians 6:10-18)
I have endeavored, by God’s help, to make a little list of truths to “gird on” along with “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” that we might bring every high thing in subjection to Jesus. I pray that this might be a help and blessing to you, dear fellow-pilgrims, as we cast down strongholds and conquer the promised land.
Love in Jesus,
Laura
Submit Without Contending for Your Own Way
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
Learn to Listen When Others Speak
“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.” (Proverbs 22:17)
In All That You Do, Give the Glory to God
“But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:24)
Remember Our Weakness and God’s Strength
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
Fear the Lord, and Live as to Please Him
“Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.” (Psalm 128:1)
Only Say Good Things About Others, Don’t Put Them Down
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Learn to Look From God’s Perspective
“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” (Psalm 25:9-10)
Focus on Others, Not on Yourself
“Ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Galatians 5:13-14)
Forgive Those That Have Wronged You
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Accept Reproof, Admitting When You Are Wrong—Don’t Make Excuses
“He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.” (Proverbs 15:32)