Good morning: Pride can take a variety of forms. “Never let them see you sweat” was the slogan for a TV ad campaign from years ago. The message was that no matter how uncomfortable, stressful, or fearful the situation, you shouldn’t let anyone know you are struggling. You should always give the impression that you’re doing fine and have everything under control. If you have tried that, you know how exhausting it can be to put on a brave face when you feel anything but confident. But that’s what pride does. It is unwilling to admit failings and the need for help. The Bible warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6). We have no reason for pride before God. We can’t hide our sin from him. Rather than try to make himself look good before God, David said, “ ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Ps. 32:5). It’s exhausting and hopeless to hold onto pride before God. It’s refreshing and liberating to humbly lay before him all our sins and to hear him say, “Your sins are forgiven in Christ. Go in peace.” Pride can also prevent us from letting one another know about our struggles. How often do you put on a brave face and tell a fellow believer, “Everything is great. I’m doing fine,” when the reality is that you are weak, hurting, and afraid? It’s exhausting and unnecessary. The Lord brings us together to support and encourage one another in our walk to heaven. We don’t have to pretend we are something we are not. We know there is no difference, we are all equally dead in sin. Rather than try to hide that, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16). “Carry each other’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2). It’s a relief to share weaknesses, struggles with temptations, and other burdens with one another. Ask the brother or sister in Christ to pray for you. Best of all, they can remind you of God’s promise that “he gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Is. 40:29). Don’t let pride rob you of that comfort and strength. In Christ, Pastor An outdoor workday to help the Braun family gets underway at 9:00 this morning and continues to 3:00 p.m. Projects include: reset fence post, remove shrub/tree stumps, rework flower bed, sort through garage items etc. The address is: 6547 N. Landers/ Milwaukee, 53223. Remember the block party from 6:30-8:30 p.m tonight. Come and enjoy summer weather and Christian fellowship with hotdogs and s’mores. Bring friends along. Staff will be on hand to give tours and answer questions about our church and school. Our service tomorrow begins at 9 a.m.
