A WARNING AGAINST PRIDE

A WARNING AGAINST PRIDE                                   Wednesday - September 8, 2010

“Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down," declares the LORD. – Obadiah 1:4

One of professional golf’s greatest players is Arnold Palmer. He won 94 professional tournaments and in 1974 was inducted into Golf’s Hall of Fame. But he remembers one hole where pride got the best of him. Arnold remembers:
“It was the final hole of the 1961 Masters tournament, and I had a one-stroke lead and had just hit a very satisfying tee shot. I felt I was in pretty good shape. As I approached my ball, I saw an old friend standing at the edge of the gallery. He motioned me over, stuck out his hand and said, Congratulations." I took his hand and shook it, but as soon as I did, I knew I had lost my focus. On my next two shots, I hit the ball into a sand trap, then put it over the edge of the green. I missed a putt and lost the Masters. You don't forget a mistake like that; you just learn from it and become determined that you will never do that again. I haven't in the 30 years since.”

If we do not humble ourselves, we will become humbled. Today in prayer, confess any sin of pride in your life and humble yourself before Christ.

“Pride, or the loss of humility, is the root of every sin and evil.” – Andrew Murray

God’s Word: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2