2025 Lent Devotional – Day 29

Lent Devotional: Day 29
Prosperity to pride
Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama

In a very subtle way, pride can cohabit with our spirituality. It isn’t easy to notice or discern when it infects us, but it is easily noticeable in others. C. S. Lewis wrote in the book  Mere Christianity: “There is no fault which makes a man more unpopular, and no fault which we are more unconscious of in ourselves. And the more we have it ourselves, the more we dislike it in others.” We certainly get annoyed if someone points out this vice to us.

However, “Pride” is more than external behavior and lifestyle that might create a perception of pride. People might consider you proud because you are introverted or don’t like people’s attention. Pride is more than perception; our inner state of mind sets priorities, preoccupations, and positioning. Who am I before God and before people?

In my meditation today in Isaiah 28, God alerted me through the pride of Ephraim in prosperity.

Ephraim enjoyed the fertile valley that produced a rich agricultural harvest. They took the favor of Jehovah for granted. They thought things would fall into place if they could do things right. The covenant’s relationship with Jehovah was reduced to a religion of rituals. They acted like immature people of God who thought if they could strictly follow “Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there” (Isa 28:10, 13), they would be secure and successful. Jehovah was not happy with their religion. Eventually, their pride and prosperity did not protect them from the judgment of God.

I am reminded of a Christian Political Minister who came to the Sunday worship where I was going to minister the Word of God. With all his entourage, he came 30 minutes late, interrupted the service with a brief speech, and then walked away without worshipping the Lord or hearing the Word of God. The Church leaders were pleased with the pompous visit but deep in my heart; I feared that the Lord might deal with him severely. The very next year, he lost his position to never return to that position again in the past two decades.

Is it possible that Christian leaders might have similar pride? They might feel secure with God’s favor and blessing and take them for granted. Yes, we are more susceptible to pride and arrogance than humility. Our responses may fail to be sensitive, wise, and kind. We may often think we have everything figured out and the correct answer. We need to be more careful, especially when the Lord lifts us to a higher position because the fall would be more painful from a higher place.

Dear Lord, help us humble ourselves, turn away from our pride, and always seek your face among the people you call us to serve. Amen!