Pride is the Beginning of Destruction

Proverbs 16:18

"18 Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

There is tremendous pride in our country, so much so that no matter how wicked it becomes the people still cry out to God to "bless America", as though this country deserves it. A mentality of entitlement reigns in this nation.

I remember when I was attending high school we would go to the ball games and shout things like; "we're number one, we're number one", full of arrogance thinking we deserve to be seen as better than others.

I see America this way poking their giant index finger into the air shouting "we're number one", so very proud of who they think we are because we live in America.

What do we place this pride in? It is in our prosperity, our freedom, our personal desires persued no matter how wicked they may be, as long the people have these things they count themselves as superior and special.

Sadly this same mentality has entered each family, parents aborting their children to avoid accountability for their actions. Adult children disregarding their elderly parents as if they had nothing to offer and small children disrespectfully shouting at their parents to gain an advantage over them.

But we're number one!!! Right!!!! America is number one in everything that is evil, to the point of mocking God and persecuting those who preach repentance and righteousness.

If you don't believe me, try this experiment at the next family gathering and see the response. Begin to speak boldly the gospel message, calling on the name of Jesus Christ to work in the hearts of those in the room and watch what happens. Most of you know what will happen, which is the reason you remain silent. The mocking and anger that ensues prevents believers from speaking the saving truth of the Gospel of Christ.

When cards and letters are sent proclaiming the gospel they are ignored and most avoid the person who sent them. It is considered fanatical in our day to express openly the gospel message. Our culture expects the name of Christ only to be mentioned in church by the pastor who is the designated mediator between them and Christ.

Most Christians expect that preaching Christ is for missionaries and ordained pastors, they cannot wrap their minds around the idea that all born-again believers are called to share the good news of salvation to whomever God leads them.

To mention Christ outside the church gathering is "over stepping" in our cultural Christianity. Many people want to be seen as attending a gathering but they never want to have to speak of Christ themselves. They fear losing family and friends because they know they probably would if they were bold and open about their faith in Christ.

Proverbs 29:24-26 "…24 A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify. 25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. 26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.…"

When "issues" of the culture take priority over Christ and His principles we have lost our first love.

It is pride that drives this mentality of "cultural correctness" and "nationalism", more than Christ and even instead of Christ.

I was once demeaned and mocked when I said there is no commandment in the Bible to vote for our leaders. Those who were born in this country have been so indoctrinated from a young age that freedom and choosing our leaders takes precedence above even Christ. I could not understand when I was dismissed for saying I was weary of voting for the lesser of two evils.

This world is not my home, it is a mission field where God planted me to be useful to Him. I am not here to help build a kingdom, I am here to speak of Christ and live according to His principles.

Christ's Kingdom is soon to come, He will set it all up and He will rule it.

Revelation 2:27 "AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE SHATTERED, as I also have received authority from My Father;"

Ephesians 1:20-22

"20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church,"

If Christ leads you to vote for a leader then do it, if Christ leads you not to vote for a leader then do that. Allow no human being to pressure you to do what they want. Christ knows what should happen and in the case of America it may not be what we want but it will be what we deserve.