By Ruth Dusingize 
HIGHLIGHT: Pride can be one of the greatest blocks to growing a relationship with God. If we feel self-sufficient and don’t realise our need of this relationship, we simply won’t pursue it. In contrast, Jesus was the humblest Man on earth and the most perfect example of how to have a close relationship with God.
Memory Text: Luke 14:11 NKJV
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
SABBATH; INTRODUCTION
This week, we explore how pride damages our relationship with God and fractures our relationships with others. Pride is subtle, persuasive, and deeply destructive—and none of us are immune. We often spot it easily in others: the controlling spirit, the unteachable heart, the need to feel superior. But Scripture turns the spotlight inward. Jesus warns, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled” (Luke 14:11), calling us to honest self-examination. While pride tries to prove our worth, the gospel reminds us that our value was already settled at the cross. Discover the freeing, life-giving power of biblical humility—and why those who humble themselves are the ones God exalts.
SUNDAY: THE TIGHT FINGERS OF PRIDE
Pride is best defined as the feeling that you are more important or better than other people. Lucifer as highlighted by Prophet Isaiah is a created being who wanted to be worshipped instead of God. He went ahead and tempted Eve to trust in her own self instead of trusting God.
In as much we have positive pride(when one delights in a good achievement done by another and appreciates it), this is not the kind of pride that Lucifer exhibited. On the contrary, He was selfish and wasn’t aiming at giving God all the glory.
In the same way, we become proud when we don’t do everything for God’s glory. In addition, our value isn’t determined by anything we own or the gifts that we have, but rather determined by Christ sacrifice at Calvary. (READ Isaiah 14:12-14; Philippians 2:5-11; 1John 2:15-17; Mark 12:31; 1Timothy 3:1)
MONDAY: KNOW YOURSELF
In the pages of Luke lies a parable that Jesus taught as He was speaking to those who consider themselves as very good and better than everyone else. The Pharisee was self-righteous whereas the publican acknowledged how sinful he was.
The Pharisee compared his spiritual life to that of the publican where as the publican focused on how he stood infront of God. However, the Bible tells us that Christ can only save the soul that acknowledges that he is a sinner.
This is what God loves and treasures. It is our ignorance about Christ that makes one exalt self. However, God calls us to behold Jesus Christ, for we shall realise our need for a Saviour who will save us from the grip of pride and sin. (READ Luke 14:8-10; 18:9-14; 1John 1:9; 1Peter 5:5)
TUESDAY: MOSES, HUMBLE SERVANT
Moses, born a Hebrew, grew up in the royalty of the Egyptian Princes and was trained in all aspects and was looked at as Pharaoh’s heir. Moses realised that it is better to suffer for Christ’s sake than enjoy the pleasure of sin for a season.
He humbly accepted to lead a life in the wilderness for 40 years and accepted the mission that God had for him, which was leading Israel to The Promised land. He also longed to have a relationship with God. In contrast to this, Pharaoh heard about God and denied His existence and further continuously refused to know Him as well because he thought himself to be God.
Moses is considered the humblest man who ever lived whereas Pharaoh is the proudest man who ever lived. (READ Acts 7:22; Hebrews 11:24-26; Exodus 2:12; Numbers 12:3)
WEDNESDAY: THE GREATEST OFFENCE
The disciples of Jesus Christ decided to indulge into unimportant matters that were completely off track from the purpose that they were called for. Instead of being content with their calling, pride rose in their hearts to where each one thought he was better than the others. Just like them, when we take on such pride and feel self-sufficient, it is a great offence against God and it disgusts Him. However, we have to purpose to pause and carry out a self-diagnosis and allow God to open our eyes so that we see the true state of our nature, otherwise, pride is the number one factor that stops us from growing a deep relationship with God.
(READ Luke 22:24-27)
THURSDAY: LOOK AT HIM
Jesus Christ is the Shepherd that this world needs, however, it’s unfortunate that only a few realise it. He filled all those around Him with compassion. Jesus gave up heaven so as to die for you and I in order for us to understand His grace and accept His invitation to have a relationship with Him.
The more we behold Jesus, the dirtier we shall see how our lives are and the more we will realise our desperate need for Jesus Christ, our Saviour. When He helps us overcome our pride, we can ultimately grow deep in our relationship with Him.
(READ Luke 22:27; Philippians 2:3-8)
FRIDAY: FURTHER THOUGHT
Coming close to Jesus helps us to realise our own filfithiness and short comings. By beholding Him, we become changed. Heaven works hand in hand with the soul that seeks not to exalt self, but one that seeks to take part in mission of winning souls to Jesus.
God sets aside the one who feels like His work can not go on without his involvement. The disciples needed a full transformation of heart so as to understand the principles by which Heaven operates by.
Just like a child is simple, forgets self and the genuine love for all that he has, God considers these great attributes for greatness in His sight and He is much more moved most importantly by oneness in Christ.
(READ Christ’s Object Lessons pp.154, 159&160; Desire of Ages pp.436&437 by Ellen G White)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- Ask yourself: How proud am I, really? How might personal pride be impacting my relationship with God and others?
- Spend some extra time with Jesus right now. Take your Bible, a pen and a journal or some paper and find somewhere quiet-perhaps even outside. Invite God to soften and speak to your heart. Write out Psalm 138, word for word. As you write, what words especially stand out for you?
- What additional insights do the following passages have about pride and humility? Matthew 23:12; Psalm 25:9; 149:4; James 4:6,10.
- Think honestly: when did you last “parade your own goodness”? How did this impact your relationship with God or those before whom you paraded it?
- What might you need to change in your life to humble yourself before God in order to strengthen your walk with Him?
Shalom Insights