IF YOU GET OFFENDED fairly regularly, you might just be full of pride. I know people always getting their feathers ruffled anytime someone says something they don’t like. Why? They get offended over doctrine that does not match up with their POV. They get offended over silly things that do not even affect them. What’s up with this?
It’s a spirit of pride. I gotta call them like I see them. If you always want your way and throw a fit when you don’t get your way- you are full of pride. If you think your way is always the best way- you got some pride issues going on. If you get offended over the Word of God, you are self-righteous.
If you cannot submit to the authority God has placed in your life- friend, this is pride. “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.” Proverbs 16:2, 5 It is emphasized in both the OT and NT that God hates pride! “He RESISTS the proud and gives GRACE to the humble”, James reads. You might want to read that again prideful person.
If you operate in pride, then God is RESISTING you. There is no play on words in this scripture. Pride causes God to turn from our prayers and withhold His grace. I don’t know about you, but I need His grace every day of my life. To be exalted in your own mind in order to satisfy your pride is to shut out the help of God. You are telling God that you know what is best.
However, those who humbly submit to the Lord and draw near to Him, He gives abundant grace, mercy and help in every situation. Friend, next time you get offended, do not take matters into your own hands. Give it over to God. Go ahead and abase yourself- God exalts the humble. You do not always have to be right. In the end, your “rightness” will cost you friendships. Trust that He knows and He cares and He will handle every situation and give you the victory when you humble yourself.
Your offense will cause you to stumble and fall. Maybe you have experienced the fruit of an offense. It causes envy, jealousy, anger and bitterness. An offense is the sin of self-righteousness and it’s end is division and destruction. Here’s a way to never be offended: fall in love with the Word of God. “Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalms 119:165 #runyourrace
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
