“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” — I John 2:16 NKJV
The third among the list of things in the world that wages war against the manifestation of the children of God, as written in 1 John 2:16, is the pride of life. What does it mean?
“Pride” as used in the scripture above is “ἀλαζονεία,” which means an insolent and empty assurance, which trusts in its own power and resources and shamefully despises and violates divine laws and human rights. So the pride of life is connected to finding fulfilment and satisfaction in earthly possessions.
When a believer brags about the things he has and built without giving credit to grace, he takes God’s glory unto himself, and that’s terrible wrongdoing which can attract severe punishment from heaven. A perfect example of someone who did this was king Nebuchadnezzar.
This king bragged about how he had built Babylon as a royal residence with his mighty power and the glory of his majesty (Daniel 4:30). As the words were on his lips, God judged him immediately. Nebuchadnezzar was estranged from humans and lived with wild animals for seven years as a punishment that would teach him that he’s nothing without God. In fact, this hasn’t changed.
God still judges people’s evil deeds not because Christ hasn’t died for them but to teach them some divine laws in Christ.
No matter what you build, be it your family, ministry or business, recognise as a believer that it’s through grace you can accomplish all those things. Learn to give credit to God’s grace for your works as you seek to do everything with the intention of pleasing the Father. Remember that (eternal) life doesn’t consist of the abundance of possessions.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that I’ll not take self-credit for what You have helped me to build in my life. Help me to remember You for who You have made me. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 285
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