Pride's Deceit

This past week I've struggled in the hardest battle I've had to date with my flesh. And it was rooted in pride. It's always there, lurking, ready to pounce.

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

I cheat you of your God-given destiny ... because you demand your own way.

I cheat you of contentment ... because you "deserve better than this."

I cheat you of knowledge ... because you already know it all.

I cheat you of healing ... because you're too full of me to forgive.

I cheat you of holiness ... because you refuse to admit when you're wrong.

I cheat you of vision ... because you'd rather look in the mirror than out a window.

I cheat you of genuine friendship ... because nobody's going to know the real you.

I cheat you of love ... because real romance demands sacrifice.

I cheat you of greatness in heaven ... because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.

I cheat you of God's glory ... because I convince you to seek your own.

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

You like me because you think I'm always looking out for you. Untrue.

I'm looking to make a fool of you.

God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry ... 

If you stick with me you'll never know.

--Beth Moore, Praying God's Word

At times I've been cheated out of every one of the things listed above. This time it was holiness. I didn't want to hear a friend's loving criticism. But God convicted me that it was really pride He was dealing with, and I repented and asked her forgiveness for trying to prove her wrong. And now I share this poem with you, in hope that the cheater will be defeated in other lives.