Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Walls of Resistance

I have a devotional in my library authored by Warren W. Wiersbe, entitled “Pause for Power: A Year in the Word.” It is becoming more of an invaluable tool day by day with wholesome nuggets and provocative food for thought. My meditation for today was no exception, so I'm taking the time to share it with you, my fellow blogging constituents. This meditation is tailored to encourage us not to allow the stronghold of pride to rob us of a clear Word from God.

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We . . . take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" – 2 Cor. 10:4-5


“There are walls of resistance in the minds of people, and these walls must be pulled down. What are these "mental walls"? Reasonings that are opposed to the truth of God's Word. Pride of intelligence that exalts itself. Paul was not attacking intelligence, but intellectualism, the high-minded attitude that makes people think they know more than they really do. Paul faced this "wisdom of men" when he founded the church (1 Cor. 1:18ff), and it had surfaced again with the coming of the Judaizers.


Paul's attitude of humility was actually one of his strongest weapons, for pride plays right into the hands of Satan. The meek Son of God had far more power than Pilate (see John 19:11), and He proved it. Paul used spiritual weapons to tear down the opposition—prayer, the Word of God, love, the power of the Spirit at work in his life. He did not depend on personality, human abilities, or even the authority he had as an apostle. However, he was ready to punish the offenders, if necessary, once the congregation had submitted to the Lord.


Many believers today do not realize that the church is involved in warfare, and those who do understand the seriousness of the Christian battle do not always know how to fight the battle. They try to use human methods to defeat demonic forces, and these methods are doomed to fail.”


I needed this word because occasionally, I have to admonish those who because of stubborn pride have the unmitigated gall to reject clear biblical precepts. If we are not careful, we will wander aimlessly into the same trap. Don’t let it happen!!!!

11 comments:

HALLELUJAH said...

One’s own self pride is a dangerous attribute to have. Having pride outside of oneself I feel is acceptable for example being proud of your son/daughter for getting good grades.

My Mother and I reasoned over one topic that is difficult to discover in ones prideful acts and that being there ulterior motive.

GOD gives us the spirit of discernment to decipher bad motives.

Great Post Pastor!!!

Fitts said...

Bro Dr. Bishop, did I need to hear this!!! I am trying to preach and teach through some issues of pride at our Church.

I must also guard my own heart from this dangerous sin.

Pray for me, for I am starting to feel the burden of ministry.

Pastor Lance A. Mann said...

Mcghee, thanks again for a great suggestion for all of us to get and gain from. Your spirit is connected to the Most High and we all need more Pastors like you as examples.

P.S. I guess that's why Momma V said that you were one of the good ones LOL.

Lance

Rev. Barney said...

God bless you Doc. One of the things I pray God guard my heart from is thinking I have arrived. I am so happy that God hides our small ability from us that we do not get lifted up in pride. Stay humble, stay in tune with the spirit of God.

Keith D. Witherspoon said...

"I needed this word because occasionally, I have to admonish those who because of stubborn pride have the unmitigated gall to reject clear biblical precepts."

Awesome post!!This paragraph seems like it sums up ministry at times.

Pastor Kraig L. Pullam said...

What a clear call for all of us to do better in our growth as followers of Jesus Christ! Thanks for the recommended read and for your apparent diligence in faithful stewardship to study and God's Word. You are a gift and a gem to our blog fraternity and to the entire Body of Christ. Thanks my friend!!! By the way-thanks for your prayers....

Reginald C. Payne said...

Thanks for the resource and the post on PRIDE, right on time it is one of the seven deadly sins and God unequivocally opposes,resist and even hates haughty looks, proud hearts, and arrogant spirits. Thomas Aquinas said" more than any other sin, pride represents contempt for Him and the rebelious determination to disobey Him.

Again thanks brother and may Lord continue to increase your tribe for your passion to communicate his word.

Anonymous said...

McGhee, I have a harder time getting this pill down my own throat. Great reminder of the need for true humility. Even preachers/pastors need the reminder that we are not "know it alls".

Thanks,McGhee. Stay at the wheel.

Be Encouraged!

Tony R.

Anonymous said...

Dear Pastor,
Thank you ever so much for the word.You're reflecting the love of God through your role as a Pastor. We need the truth more then ever now. Thank you for allowing God to use you. As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.

Yours in Christ
Sister LLB

October 23, 2008

Clinton Smith said...

Pride! Wow! Great post my friend.

Anonymous said...

Pastor McGhee,

What a great post regarding one's Pride. Your post took me to Proverbs 29:23; A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. We all must be mindful of our character before God and His people.

P.S. Keep teachng my friend!!

Evangelist