Every true Christian should realize that the basic bent of each human heart is toward pride and self-exaltation, which springs from Lucifer, the first to sin in God’s universe. Notice carefully what God’s Word says:
“I will ascend into heaven …” (Isaiah 14:13), declared the devil.
“The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate” (Proverbs 8:13).
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).
“Pride comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
“If anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself (Galatians 6:3).
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17).
This is just a sample of what the Bible says about the evils of self-exaltation. Jesus Christ warned, “He who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
May God teach us humility in all of our dealings with our fellow men to prepare us for heaven.