Pride - Hosea 7:10

“I am sorry.”

“I am wrong.”

“I sinned.”

These are humbling sentences. Sentences that no one wants to say, for they admit guilt. They admit that I am not perfect. They admit that I did something wrong.

That is one thing we want to admit to no one.

It is kind of odd, really, that we do not want to admit when we are wrong. We know that no one, with the exception of Jesus, is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone sins. So why do we struggle so much admitting this part of our life?

Do we worry we won’t be accepted? Do we worry that people will be shocked? That they won’t like us anymore? That we will appear weak?

So, instead, we often let our pride - fear of what others will think - get the best of us. And we refuse to repent.

Do you know how many faces I have looked into from the front of a sanctuary where they know they need Jesus, but pride stops them?

What is the price of pride?

“And the pride of Israel testifies to his face, but they do not return to the Lord their God, no seek Him for all this.” (Hosea 7:16)

Pride leads to a life without the mercy of God. Pride leads to death without the grace of God. Pride leads to destruction.

Is your pride preventing you from admitting your sins? Is your pride preventing you from admitting you need Jesus? I pray it isn’t. But if it is, pray for your pride to be broken. Experience the grace and love of Jesus that is greater than your pride.

But if you don’t, beware…

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 KJV)