Sep 10, 2023
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23
A strong case can be made that the deepest root of the disease of sin is pride. The Bible has a lot to say about pride. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov 16:18). "When pride comes, then comes disgrace" (Prov 11:2). "God opposes the proud" (Jam 4:6).
In our passage, Paul is concluding his discussion of the pride which had been ravaging the Corinthian church. He has spent three chapters writing about it. Here the apostle gives two reasons for the Corinthians (and us) to abandon any personal arrogance.
First, human pride is foolishness (1 Cor 3:19). There is a futility to pride because it is dishonoring to God and destructive to the human spirit. God brings judgment on the proud. Pride draws us away from God and His wisdom.
Second, the fleeting, twisted satisfaction of human pride is nothing compared to the glory of the eternal inheritance that belongs to God's children. "Let no one boast in men, for all things are yours . . . the world or life or death or the present or the future – all are yours" (1 Cor 3:21).
Let us, with a heartfelt humility and deep satisfaction, take to heart the promise of our Lord … "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Lk 12:32).