The second relationship "destroyer" we looked at on Sunday was pride.  King Solomon offered this pithy statement about pride:    “Pride leads to arguments.” Proverbs13:10 (LB)

Pride DOES lead to arguments.  I know that because I have a lot of experience with pride, both on the giving and receiving ends of many matters.  When we're filled with pride, we're sure that our way is the right way, and we'll argue to the death to show it.  We may not have facts on our side. We may not have reason on our side.  We may not have faith on our side.  What we do have is a big, fat ego that assures us that we must be right, because......we are!  Pride has broken down or destroyed many relationships. 

Tomorrow we're going to look at the antidote for pride, but right now let's take a moment and consider this:  Are there any relationships in our lives right now that are strained or which have been broken due to our pride?  Don't rush through this.  Think about it.  Pray about it.  If there are, confess it to God first and then consider what may be done to restore the relationship.  As with all broken relationships remember:  only the injured party can restore a relationship, because forgiveness is a gift that's given, not a wage that can be earned.  If you're wondering, then what can I do, if I can't restore the relationship.  The answer is simple:  You can put yourself in a position to be forgiven.  How?  By admitting your pride to the person you've offended, and asking for forgiveness.  That puts the other person in control of the relationship--which happened the moment you offended him or her with your pride.  It also puts you in a great position--ready to receive forgiveness. 

Let's pray: Heavenly Father, we confess that we have often been prideful in our lives. Forgive us.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may reject pride when it threatens to rear its head in our lives, and give us the courage to ask forgiveness of those we have hurt and offended with our pride.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.