deadly sneaky disease of pride [ Bible Study thoughts ]

God showed me that often what we are calling a spirit is primarily the deadly sneaky disease of pride. I too am fully infected by it, and that is one of the reasons I can see it in others.  But even though I see it, I will cause much harm unless I first deal very seriously with my own pride before try to help others with theirs.  I keep getting confirmation after confirmation [ http://www.grace-abounding.com/Articles/Sin/Pride_Edwards.htm ] and all I can do is cry out "Help me God. Heal me and purify my heart." I am (we are) killing (or stunting) things and don't know it because I'm not (we're not) aware of the extent of our diseased state. And yet, (don't you love that statement), He holds me by my right hand, He guides my with His council, and afterward He will lead me in HIS glory.  My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the firm strength of my heart and my portion (all I need) forever.  He will, if I yield my will to His, finish the work of curing me from my pride, and develop true meekness and humility. What a day that will be when I get to truly glorify Him without the hindrance of pride.   

P.S. When I am not genuinely transparent, it is a symptom of pride.  And how I hear our Heavenly Father calling me to drop self protection and be transparent again.  But I don't. Over and over again, I say and act according to what's expected not according to what is right and true and for the benefit of others. (To be clear: God is not calling me to share every yucky thought in my head and heart, He is asking me to not self protect, to be honest in light of who He is and my relationship with Him, to speak truth according to THE Truth, and according to what is right, by the righteousness received from God by grace and faith, to confess my sins asking for and expecting others to forgive and pray that I will live repented (turned away from it).  But oh how pride (and the sneaky inside out pride) and selfishness gets in the way of living that way.

*sigh*

I am so thankful for God's immense love, mercy and grace.  Truly God is able to do exceedingly more than I can imagine. I fall at His feet in gratitude and neediness.