As promised below is the first of our daily reflections/studies based on our series:  Does the Devil Make Us Do It?  Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins.

In yesterday's video drama "Kenny Peterson" quoted Proverbs 16:18  " ¹⁸Pride goes before destruction,  a haughty spirit before a fall."  The statement is one of the Bible's strongest reminders that God does not tolerate pride in our lives.  As we reflect on the first of the seven "deadly" sins, it's easy to see why pride is viewed so negatively by God.  After all, pride is our pretending to be God, or at least taking the place God deserves in our lives--FIRST place.

Think of how intentionally our culture pushes us to elevate ourselves.  We're challenged NOT to deny ourselves any pleasure we desire.  After all, "Some things money can't buy, but for everything else there's MasterCard."  While the credit card companies may tell us to use credit responsibly, and the beer companies may tell us to drink responsibly, the reality is American business relies on our pride, our putting ourselves first, our unwillingness to deny ourselves and put Jesus FIRST in our lives.

Take a moment and reflect on Proverbs 16:18, and then ask yourself this question:  Has pride ever caused "destruction" or a "fall" in my life?  Are you going through something right now that's the result of pride in your life?  If the answer to either of those questions is, "Yes," take some time with God right now and turn from that (the Biblical word for turning from our pride or any other sin is "repent.") Then ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit, so you may live in His grace and extend His glory, rather than seeking the spotlight for yourself.

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, thank You so much for sending Jesus into the world to rescue us from sin and death.  I pray right now that You will remove any pride in my life and replace it with Your Holy Spirit that I may seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness.  This I pray in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.