Pride

A year and a half or so ago, I did the Bible study, "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore.

I had often heard of the study but didn't really know much about it. I did know that it had to do with strongholds and I went into it thinking, "Okay...I can do this...shouldn't be a big deal...after all, I don't have any real strongholds." In my mind, I thought "strongholds" were things like drugs, alcohol...you know, "real" problems (ha!). Tsk...tsk.

Not long into the study, I discovered that the fact that I came into the study thinking that I didn't have a stronghold, was a stronghold. I was quickly humbled.

Not too long after that, a friend gave me the following and I have kept it on my fridge ever since. I wanted to post it here so as to keep it permanently...and, of course, to share with any other soul out there who might not have a stronghold (wink, wink). You know...just in case you have a friend who does.

My name is Pride. I am a cheter.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny...
because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment...
because you "deserve better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge...because you already know it all.
I cheat you of healing...because you're too full of me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness...
because you refuse to admit when you're wrong.
I cheat you of vision...
because you'd rather look in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship...
because nobody's going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love...
because real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven...
because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory...
because I convince you to seek your own.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I'm always looking out for you.
Untrue.
I'm looking to make a fool of you.
God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry...
If you stick with me,
You'll never know.