The pride that deceives

The pride that deceives

Scripture:

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ Obadiah 1:3

On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune,
nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble. Obadiah 1:11-12

“The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head. Obadiah 1:15

Observation: The book of Obadiah with its solitary chapter is a prophecy of the downfall of Edom, the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. Studying the book of Obadiah, we are especially reminded of particular characteristics that the Lord detests.

Firstly, the Lord detests pride. Esau himself was a man of pride, dependent on his own strength and never on God. He despised even his own birthright, and did not treasure the spiritual inheritance of his grandfather Abraham. Pride is the most dangerous of all sins. It caused the downfall of Satan from heaven. It was the final temptation that lured Eve to take the fruit. Throughout Scripture we are reminded that the Lord hates the proud but gives grace to the humble. That’s why it is so important for us to keep humble hearts towards God.

Secondly, Edom was accused of apathy, even gloating over Judah in the day of their misfortune. Do we do the same? When misfortune befalls others, do we stand back and think “this doesn’t concern me”. Do we even sneer and gloat when bad things befall others? A typical characteristic of Malaysians is to be so curious when an accident happens, even causing a traffic jam just to survey the misfortune, or even glean some benefit by taking down the number plate (for those who believe numbers involved in accidents will likely come out in the sweepstakes). Similarly, we take dark pleasure in scandals, even by relatives. We need to stop and instead consider the suffering others are facing and pray for them and help where we can.

Thirdly, it was prophesied against Edom that their deed would return upon their own head. In others word, it will be done to you as you have done to others. Jesus said “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you”. Similarly, do not do unto others as you would not have others do unto you. The important principle here, is not to just think about ourselves, but to consider the other person. Paul writes “Do not do anything out of vain conceit and selfish ambition, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves”.

Application: Beware of pride constantly throughout our lives. If we sense pride coming in, humble ourselves quickly before the Lord. Ask Him for help. Beware also of apathy and being joyful over the misfortune of others which the Lord strongly disapproves. Instead, pray for them, and help where possible. Endeavor to live the principle of “doing to others as you would have them do to you” and “not doing to others as you would not have them do to you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You for Your grace, Your love which You freely give. Forgive me O Lord for the pride that often comes into my heart. Help me always humble myself before you and not consider myself more highly than I ought. Forgive me for the times I have gloated over the misfortune of others. Give me a heart of compassion instead that looks also to the needs of others. In Jesus name, Amen.