By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Once Proud Forest

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“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 16:18 New International Version

The Douglas Firs stood tall and proud, all over one hundred feet tall, towering over the countryside.  They had stood there for many years, impervious to weather, blight, and animal attack.  But in a few short weeks, without warning, they were reduced to piles of downed timber, logs ready to be hauled off to the mill.

How quick and hard was their fall!

So it is for all those who are proud and haughty in this life. Yes, many believe they are self made men and women, having achieved success and reputation by their own hard work or popularity or perseverance.

But pride goes before the fall, and the greater the pride, the greater the fall.  Even if a person is not humbled in this life, what shall become of them when they die and stand before the judgment of the Almighty God?  What shall they say to the Creator of the Universe who raises us up from the dust and causes us to become dust once again!

Are you guilty of pride and arrogance in the face of the mighty God?  Then humble yourself quickly and repent of your sins, for God gives His grace to the humble.  Do not pretend that you are independent of our Lord or secure in this life without Him!  For there is forgiveness, grace, and mercy for all those who repent of their sins and call upon the name of the Lord.

Lord, please forgive my pride and arrogance before you.  I am guilty of many sins, and how can I stand before your holy gaze?  But I am sorry for my sins and I am confident in your grace and mercy in our Lord Jesus Christ.  Thank you for your forgiveness and for humbling me before your mighty hand that you might lift me up!  Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado