“Surely every man walketh in a vain shew …” (Psalm 39:6)
You cannot walk in the pride of life and love the Father. To love the Father is to want Him to be glorified. To walk in the pride of life is to live for the praise of men. Proud men labor for a “payday” from their fellow men. Earthly honor and recognition is the reward they seek.
It is sweet revenge to succeed before those who didn’t “believe in us;” finally winning even their grudging respect. But what is this “I’ll show them!” attitude – but the pride which God hates. “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 16:5)
What is it that God hates so much about pride? The proud would “outshine” God. They are more eager for their power, wisdom, and beauty to be on display than God’s. They would rather men sing their praises instead of the praises of God. They are in competition with their Creator.
Whose glory are you living for? At the end of the day do you hope men will extol you or the God who is alone worthy? He has not called us to show others what we are made of. He wants us to show them Jesus.
“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:21)