The Deception of Pride in Politics
In my last article about our political divide, I wrote, “Political views bring out the best and the worst in us. I know I’m a work in progress myself. Christians must repent of their pride and anger, and the church must unite in submission to God before our country faces devastating damages from which it may never recover.”
Most of us have heard this before: “The pride in others I can easily see, but praise God there’s none in me.”
We smile at this statement because we realize just how true it is. Pride is said to be the only disease that others can spot except the one who is contaminated by it.
Pride Has Slain Its Ten Thousands
Pride is an elevated view of self, abilities, possessions or political party. As a result of pride, we become cynical, arrogant and indifferent to the needs of others. We brag and boast about what we have or what we do.
In short, we think more highly of ourselves than we should. Pride has slain more prophets than persecution ever did.
Pride is deceptive as well as dangerous. Proverbs 16:18 warns us that “pride goes before destruction,” which means it causes ruin, pain and conflict.
Pride kills marriages, harms parenting, fractures relationships and mutes the voice of God. James 4:6 reminds us that God resists us when we are proud, and Obadiah 1:3 declares that pride deceives us. Not good.
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Too Proud to Yield
Pride also causes stubbornness, which often leads to disaster. I’m reminded of a story that I read on a sermon illustration website that illustrates this perfectly.
In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters.
News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn’t a technology problem like radar malfunction or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship’s presence nearby.
Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first.
This is what’s wrong with both political parties: They need to yield to the principles in God’s Word. The Republicans may have many good principles, but are they humble and gracious? Are they pursuing God and truly loving others? The Democrats talk about loving and helping their neighbors while at the same time pushing Planned Parenthood and Drag Queen Story Hours.
Pride Brings Shame
The book of Proverbs has much to say about this as well. Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV) says, “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Proverbs 11:2 declares, “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.” In Proverbs, wisdom and honor are related to humility, and shame and foolishness are related to pride.
Isaiah 57:15 says God dwells with him “who has a contrite and lowly spirit.” He revives the spirit of the lowly and the heart of the contrite. Do you want to know God and His will better? Then humble yourself today.
How to Break Free of Pride’s Deception
In “Brokenness: The Heart God Revives,” Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth gives a powerful example of the disease of pride when she quotes a woman named Gwyn:
I was known as a leader at my church. I was at the church every time the doors were open. It was important to me to have everyone notice me and what I was doing. I was extremely self-righteous and thought that I was more spiritual than others. Others had needs, but not Gwyn Stanford. Others needed revival, but not I!
Right in the middle of religion, I was so very far away from God.
How about you? Has pride drawn you away from God and obedience to His Word? Are you worshipping patriotism and idolizing politics? If so, these four steps will put you back on the right path:
- Acknowledge that pride has filled your heart and repent. Because prideful people have a hard time spotting it in their own lives, ask God to reveal areas of pride in your heart.
- Make restitution and apologize if warranted.
- Stay in a position of humility each day by praying and reading God’s Word. Pray specifically that the Holy Spirit would use God’s Word to reveal any areas where pride has put down roots.
- Consider a season of prayer and fasting to kill carnality and punch pride.
Don’t lose heart; you will be amazed at what God does with humility, brokenness and repentance.
The Bible says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). Take this opportunity now to turn to Him, completely, unconditionally and without delay.
The only hope for our nation is a mighty downpour of God’s Spirit in response to His people humbling themselves.
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Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California. More can be found at ShaneIdleman.com, and free downloads of his books are available at WCFAV.org. Visit him on Facebook and subscribe to his new podcast.
