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Undiscerned Spiritual Pride | Jonathan Edwards · Reformed Thinking

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Welcome to Reformed Thinking. This is where we take a close
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look at vital topics, pulling apart articles, research and
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timeless ideas to uncover the core Nuggets of wisdom for you.
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Our goal is really just to make sense of what can feel like a
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flood of information, leaving you feeling well informed and
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hopefully maybe a bit surprised by what we uncover.
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Today we're doing a deep dive into a powerful concept from a
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pivotal thinker in Reformed theology, the well, the
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insidious nature of spiritual pride, and the liberating
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qualities of true Christian humility.
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We'll be drawing extensively from Jonathan Edwards
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observations on undiscerned spiritual pride.
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That's right, our aim today is to illuminate this often hidden
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enemy of the soul and show how it's opposite, humility, clears
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the path for genuine growth and faith and relationships.
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We'll examine why spiritual pride is so difficult to spot in
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ourselves, how it manifests in our thoughts and interactions,
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and crucially, how cultivating humility truly changes
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everything. This isn't just theory.
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It is about practical living and discerning the health of your
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own spiritual walk. So if you're ready to peel back
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the layers of a particularly stubborn obstacle in the
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Christian life, maybe grab your spiritual magnifying glass.
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Let's get started on this deep dive.
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So we're beginning with spiritual pride, which Edwards
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identifies as something particularly troubling.
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What is its fundamental character and why does he play
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such a well, such a significant weight on it?
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Well, Edward states quite plainly that spiritual pride is
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the 1st and worst cause of errors that abounds in our day
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and age. He paints a really clear picture
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of its role, describing it as the main door by which the devil
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comes into the hearts of those who are zealous for the
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advancement of Christ. Consider that imagery.
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The main door, yeah, that's that's quite an image.
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It's not just a minor flaw then, is it?
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It sounds like an open entry point.
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Exactly. It implies a direct,
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unobstructed way in. And he doesn't stop there.
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He goes on to illustrate it as the chief inlet of smoke from
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the bottomless pit, to darken the mind and mislead the
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judgement. So you can imagine smoke filling
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a room, right? Obscuring your vision.
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That's what Edwards says pride does.
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It deliberately clouds spiritual vision, spiritual discernment.
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It stems directly from this condition.
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This is actively working against seeing things clearly.
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Precisely, And building on that, he also identifies it as the
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main handle by which the devil has hold of Christian persons.
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Think of it like the primary grip the adversary takes to
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hinder a good work. Like a lever, the point of
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maximum leverage. Exactly.
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And Edwards asserts that it is the chief source of all the
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mischief that he introduces to clog and hinder a work of God.
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So it's like the central hub for all kinds of spiritual trouble.
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It slows things down, creates obstacles.
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OK, so if it's the main door, the main handle, the chief
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source, then trying to address other spiritual issues without
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tackling pride first seems, well, kind of pointless.
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Absolutely. And this is where his insight
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gets really crucial. He calls spiritual pride the
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main spring, or at least the main support of all other
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errors. This highlights its foundational
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role. It underpins many other
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spiritual deficiencies. It's not just one problem among
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many. It's the root.
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It's the root. He states that until this
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disease is cured, medicines are applied in vain to heal all
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other diseases. Which is pretty stark warning.
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It suggests that addressing other issues without tackling
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pride first is like, well, treating symptoms while ignoring
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the real cause. All other efforts are just
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temporary fixes. That paints a rather stark
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picture. Yeah, But if it's so
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fundamental, so, you know, core to the problem, why is it so
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hard for us to spot it in ourselves?
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That seems like a real trick of the mind.
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Precisely, Edwards explains that pride is much more difficult to
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be discerned than any other corruption because of its very
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nature, and he unpacks this by stating that pride is simply a
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person having too high an opinion of himself.
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But the core challenge, the real difficulty, is that a person
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with such a high self opinion is, well, they're completely
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unaware of. It they don't see it.
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They genuinely believe their self-assessment has just grounds
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and therefore is not too high. See, if they knew it was too
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high, the opinion itself would crumble, right?
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So the very nature of it keeps them blind.
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If those perceived grounds were to disappear, the opinion would
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cease. So it's not just that we're
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blind to it, it actively works to keep us blind, like a defense
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mechanism built into the sin itself.
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Exactly this self deception is why Edwards calls it the most
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secret of all sins. You know, it's there is no other
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matter in which the heart is more deceitful and unsearchable.
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People are often so confident in their lack of pride, which is
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part of its insidious quality. It's this weird paradox.
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The confidence itself is a symptom.
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Right. It's nature work,
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self-confidence and drives away any suspicion of any evil of
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that kind. It actively blinds you to its
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presence, pushes away any doubt. Edwards even likens it to the
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devil himself and its secrecy and subtlety.
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And appearing in great many shapes that are undetected and
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unsuspected, it can macerate into various guises.
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You know, so it's not always obvious.
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Like boasting, it can be subtle. Very subtle.
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It could be a quiet sense of being more spiritually mature
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than others, or maybe an unwillingness to listen to
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correction, or even just feeling sorry for people who aren't as
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enlightened. So it's not a single visible
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lump, it's more like a pervasive hidden network.
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Yes, and the metaphor he uses for this is particularly vivid.
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Spiritual pride takes many forms and shapes one under another,
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and encompasses the heart like the layers of an onion.
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When you pull off one, there is another underneath.
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Wow, like an onion? So it's really deep then?
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Exactly. Very deep.
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This layered quality means it's deeply embedded.
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You might deal with one aspect, think you're making progress,
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and then boom, another subtler form shows up.
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Therefore, he advises that we have need to have the greatest
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watch imaginable over our hearts with respect to this matter, and
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to cry most earnestly to the great searcher of hearts for His
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help. Meaning we can't really trust
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ourselves to see it. No, he adds, he that trusts his
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own heart is a fool. It requires constant vigilance
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and frankly, desperate prayer for God's help to even see it.
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Because it's so secret, it cannot be so well discerned by
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immediate intuition on the thing itself.
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You can't just look inside and find it easily.
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Instead, it is best identified by its fruits and effects.
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You see it in how you act, how you react, how you talk about
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others. OK, that makes sense, but it
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sounds like a particularly potent snare, especially for
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those who are genuinely dedicated to their faith.
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Does Edward speak to how this might make them particularly
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vulnerable, Maybe even more vulnerable?
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Yes, he issues a direct warning and it's a bit counterintuitive,
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he states. Those who are most zealous in
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the cause of God are the most likely to be targeted as being
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filled with pride. Really.
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The most zealous? Why?
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Well, he says, when someone appears to be noticeably
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excelling others in his Christian walk, it will
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immediately awaken the jealousy of those about him.
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This often leads others to suspect that he's very proud of
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his goodness, observing everything he says and does with
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this prejudice, sort of waiting for them to slip up.
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So they're very devotion attracts suspicion from others.
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Yes, and Edwards digs into where that suspicion comes from.
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He says these negative thoughts are easily entertained by those
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who are themselves cold and dead, especially those who have
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never had any experience of the power of godliness on their own
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hearts. He treats this to nothing less
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than a secret hostility against essential and fervent holiness.
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It's like they can't understand it, so they assume it must be
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rooted in something bad like pride.
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Wow, a hostility to holiness itself.
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Yeah, but then Edwards adds A crucial caution for the zealous
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Christian on the receiving end of this.
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He warns them to take heed that this does not prove a snare to
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him, meaning don't let the unfair accusations blind you.
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Don't let the devil use the unfairness to blind your eyes
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from beholding the true nature of your heart and cause you to
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think that because he is charged with pride, wrongfully and with
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an unkind spirit, that such charges are not sometimes valid.
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So even if the accusation is delivered badly or comes from
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jealousy, there might still be some truth to it.
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Exactly. It doesn't automatically mean
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you're free from pride just because the accuser has bad
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motives. You still need to examine
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yourself honestly. And Edwards underscores its
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tenacity, calling pride the worst part of the body of sin
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and death the first sin that ever entered into the universe
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and the last that is rooted out. It is God's most stubborn enemy.
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The last sin rooted out that's that says a lot about how deep
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it goes. It really does.
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It's a lifelong battle. OK, so we've looked at this
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secret adversary, spiritual pride.
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Now let's pivot to its counterpoint, its opposite.
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Edwards paints this picture of Christian humility not just as a
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nice idea, but as the essential virtue, the true antidote.
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Right. So if pride blinds and hinders
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basically trips us up, how does humility clear the way?
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How does it actually assist a Christian?
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What does it do? Humility functions in several
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key ways to sort of free the individual from pride snares and
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allow for genuine spiritual flourishing.
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First, it brings openness to instruction.
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The humble person is like a little child who easily receives
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instruction. Like a child, OK?
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Yeah, it's a striking contrast to the proud person who thinks
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they are full of light already and feels that he does not need
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instruction, so he is ready to ignore the offer of it.
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The proud person resists new ideas or correction because they
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think they've already got it figured out.
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Whereas the humble person is teachable.
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Exactly. A humble person is cautious in
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his estimate of himself, sensitive as to how liable he is
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to go astray, and most ready to check into the matter if it is
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suggested that they are going astray.
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This receptivity is just vital for ongoing learning and
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redirection. It keeps you growing instead of
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getting stuck. Makes sense?
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What else? Secondly, humility provides
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clarity of perception, Edward states.
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Humility clears the eye to look at things as they truly are.
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It removes the biases and the self deception that pride
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introduces, allowing for an unclouded view of reality and
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truth. Pride distorts everything,
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right? Yeah, makes you see yourself
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better than you are, others worse.
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Right, but humility prepares the mind for divine light without
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darkness. This means genuine spiritual
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insight becomes accessible. The humble heart is actually
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equipped to receive God's truth without distortion.
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It's like removing spiritual cataracts.
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OK, so teachability and clear vision, what's next?
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3rd And this is really critical, it offers protection from the
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devil's grasp. Edwards puts it plainly.
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Nothing sets a Christian so much out of the devil's reach than
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humility. If pride is the main door like
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we said, then humility is basically the lock on that door.
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It secures the entrance. Exactly, when we walk in
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humility, we become far less susceptible to the deceiver
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schemes because his primary weapon are inflated Self you has
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been disarmed. We're less likely to fall for
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temptations that play on our self importance.
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That's a powerful idea, Protection. 4th It brings divine
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guidance. Citing Psalm 25.9, Edwards notes
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he leads the humble injustice and he teaches the humble his
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way. This demonstrates that God
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himself actively guides and instructs the humble heart.
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It suggests a personal, intimate guidance from God.
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So God actively walks with the humble.
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That's the idea. In contrast to the confusion
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pride causes, humility opens the door for God to lead you.
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Finally, and significantly, humility is the foundation for
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correcting other issues, Edward states.
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If spiritual pride is healed, other things are easily
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corrected. Back to the root idea.
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Yes, it reinforces that humility isn't just one virtue among
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many, but it's foundational. It enables all the others to
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flourish. He urges us to pull the beam of
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pride out of our eye, and then we shall see clearly.
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You can't really deal with other flaws until that big distortion
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is gone. Humility clears the way for
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overall spiritual health. So if you're struggling with,
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say, impatience or envy, maybe the real issue underneath is
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pride. Very often, yes.
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An inflated view of your own rights or what you think you
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deserve. Address the pride and those
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other things become much more manageable.
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That makes so much sense now. We heard earlier that spiritual
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pride is best identified not by just looking inward, but by its
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fruits and effects. Let's really zoom in on that.
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How do these opposing forces, pride and humility, actually
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show up in the daily walk of a Christian?
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What does it look like in our interaction, say with how we
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view and talk about other people's faults?
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This is where the contrast becomes really stark.
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Yeah, tells a very clear story. Let's look at fault finding
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versus self reflection. OK, so when someone is affected
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by spiritual pride, it often causes them to speak of other
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person's sins, their enmity against God and his people, or
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with laughter and levity in an air of contempt.
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You can almost picture it, right?
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Someone may be gleefully recounting another person's
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failings, finding some weird satisfaction.
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Yeah, like they enjoy pointing it out.
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Exactly. The spiritually proud person
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shows it in his finding fault with other Saints that they are
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low in grace and how cold and dead they are, and are quick to
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discern and take notice of their deficiencies.
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They have this sharp eye for spotting the perceived
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weaknesses and other believers. A critical spirit.
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A very critical spirit, and some, even those with a lot of
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learning, might sharply reprove other Christians for being cold
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and lifeless, calling on them to emulate their own perceived
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zeal. It's not just observing, it's
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actively positioning themselves as superior.
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Basically saying be more like me.
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OK, so a critical, almost eager eye for others failings.
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How does humility flip that script?
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What does that look like? Well, Christian humility
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disposes one either to be silent about them or to speak of them
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with grief or pity. Instead of finding joy or
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contempt in other sins, the humble heart feels sorrow,
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compassion. It recognizes our shared human
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weakness. It's a shift from judgement to
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empathy. That's a huge difference.
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It is the eminently humble Christian has so much to do at
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home and sees so much evil in his own, that he's not apartment
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to be very busy with other hearts.
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Their gaze has turned inward. They're so aware of their own
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need for grace that they just don't have the time or
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inclination to be picking apart everyone else.
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They're focused on their own spiritual housekeeping.
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Precisely. He complaints most of himself,
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and complaints most of his own coldness and lowness and grace.
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Their primary concern is their own walk and they are apartment
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to esteem others as better than himself and is ready to hope
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that most everybody has more love and thankfulness to God
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than he. This isn't false modesty, it's a
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genuine recognition of their own sinfulness, leading them to view
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others more charitably. Seeing the good in others more
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easily. Yes, humility causes a person to
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take notice of everything that is good in others, to make the
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best of it, and to diminish their failings.
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However, he turns his eye chiefly on those things that are
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bad in himself. It's a generous spirit versus a
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critical. 11 magnifies others flaws, the other magnifies their
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own. I can definitely see how that
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would completely change the atmosphere of a conversation or
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even a whole community. What about the way they speak?
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Not just the content but the actual tone, especially when
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giving advice or correcting someone.
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How does pride sound harsh and humility sound gentle?
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Right. This is the contrast of harsh
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language versus gentleness. Spiritual pride leads persons to
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speak in the most harsh, severe language about almost anything
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they see in others. It's a cutting, biting way of
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talking and they frequently say of others opinions, conduct or
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advice that they are from the devil or from hell.
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Wow, that's extreme language, attributing things to the devil
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so quickly. Yes, it's immediate spiritual
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condemnation and this harsh language isn't reserved just
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for, say, non believers. It's used not only towards
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wicked men, but towards those who are true children of God,
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and also towards ministers of the gospel and others who are
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very much their superiors. It shows a real lack of respect
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for others, even those in authority.
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No difference at all. None spiritually proud
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individuals are more apt to instruct others than to inquire
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for himself, and so naturally puts on the airs of control.
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They assume they know best, so they don't listen or ask
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questions. They try to command and warn
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with authority, like they're the appointed spiritual police.
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OK, that's a clear picture. How does humility approach that
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same situation? How does it sound different?
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Christian humility exhorts fellow Christians in a loving
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and humble manner. It's about persuasion and
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genuine care, offering instruction with kindness, not
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arrogance. Edwards reminds us that as
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fellow worms recognizing our shared lowliness before God, we
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had to treat one another with as much humility and gentleness as
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Christ treats them. Remembering our own need for
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grace. Exactly.
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Christian humility under a sense of others misery and treats and
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beseeches. It approaches others from a
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place of shared weakness, pleading with them out of
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concern, not barking orders. The words are meant to build up,
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not crush. There's a palpable sense of
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compassion. That feels entirely different.
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OK, What about how people present themselves?
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Is there a desire to stand out, to be noticed for being, you
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know, particularly spiritual? Yes, that brings us to pretense
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and seeking distinction versus firmness and duty without
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delight and difference. Spiritual pride often causes
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persons to act different in external appearance, to affect a
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different way of speaking, to use a different sort of dialect
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from others, or to be different in voice, countenance, or
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behavior. It's a conscious effort to seem
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different, to signal I'm not like the others.
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I'm more spiritual, maybe using overly pious language or
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adopting a certain holy look. Trying to stand out.
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Definitely they try to set himself up to be viewed and
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observed as one, distinguished and desiring to be accounted
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better than others, despising their company or conformity to
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them. They want to be noticed, seen as
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superior, and sometimes that means separating themselves from
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those they deem less spiritual. So it's about drawing attention
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to themselves, often by creating a visible divide.
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How does Christian humility contrast with that?
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Well, Christian humility, while it means being firm in your duty
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to God, even if that means going the way of heaven alone, the
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humble person does not delight in being different for
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differences sake. Any distinctiveness comes from
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obedience, not a desire to be noticed.
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They don't celebrate being different just to be different.
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Their goal isn't to stand out. No, On the contrary, they desire
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to become all things to all men, to yield to others and conform
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to them, please them in all but sin.
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It's a flexible, accommodating spirit.
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They prioritize unity and relationships over self
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promotion as long as it doesn't compromise truth.
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They're comfortable blending in because their spiritual life
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isn't for show. That's a powerful point.
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The humble person doesn't seek distinctiveness.
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OK, what about handling perceived slights or opposition?
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Would a prideful person be quick to take offense?
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What's the contrast there? Yes, that's a classic sign.
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This brings us to taking offense easily versus quiet submission.
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Spiritual pride takes great notice of opposition and
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injuries that are received and is prone to be often Speaking of
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them and to be much and taking notice of their aggravation,
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either with an air of bitterness or contempt.
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The proud person is hypersensitive to slights.
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They magnify offenses, replay them, complain about them
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constantly. They nurse their grievances.
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Exactly. They feel the need to air their
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wrongs and often speak with bitterness or disdain about
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those who wronged them. They need to vindicate
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themselves. So they constantly pick at the
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scabs of their hurts. How does humility respond to
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that kind of wound? In stark contrast, Christian
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humility causes a person to be more like his blessed Lord when
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reviled, quiet, not opening his mouth, but committing himself in
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silence to him who judges righteously.
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It's his profound trust in God's justice.
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No need for immediate self indication.
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They. Leave it to God.
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Right. The more the world is against
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him, the more silent and still he will be, unless it is in his
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prayer closet and there he will not be.
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Still, their response is directed toward God in prayer,
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not outward, in complaint or retaliation.
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They find peace in God, not in winning arguments or getting
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even. That's a truly challenging
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ideal. And what about how pride effects
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one's reverence for God? Or even interactions with
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others, particularly those in authority?
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Or maybe those seen as less spiritually mature.
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Here we observe presumption before God and man versus
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reference. Spiritual pride can lead to a
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certain self confident boldness before God and men.
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Now this isn't good confidence in God.
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It's a kind of brash self assurance that forgets who God
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is and who we are. Some have not paid sufficient
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regard to that rule in Psalm 2. Point O1 worship the Lord with
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reverence and rejoice with trembling.
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Their joy lacks that proper all that healthy fear.
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Too much familiarity, maybe? Perhaps.
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And there can also be an improper boldness before men
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sometimes miss applying scripture to justify abandoning
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all manner of modesty or reverence toward man in
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conversation. It can lead to disrespect,
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treating everyone casually, maybe under the guise of being
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bold for Christ. So it's a boldness that crosses
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a line, almost forgetting one's place before God and others.
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How does Christian humility manage that balance?
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Christian humility in conversation maintains
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gentleness and reverence. As First Peter 3.15 says, you
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state your hope, but with respect and before God.
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It means recognizing His absolute sovereignty and our
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complete dependence, leading to true adoration and yes, that
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joyful trembling rather than casual presumption.
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Then we have hunger for attention versus seeking help
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from all. Spiritual pride makes the
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subject want attention. People under its way tend to act
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in a special manner, as though others ought to take great
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notice in regard of them. They need the spotlight.
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They naturally take all the respect that is paid to Him and
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freely receives it as if it's their due.
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They expect it. And get upset if they don't get
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it. Exactly, they take much notice
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if a person fails to do so, and to have an I'll opinion of those
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who do not give him that which he feels he deserves.
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And remember, 1 under this sway is more apt to instruct others
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than to inquire for himself. They're always the teacher,
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never the student. The spiritually proud person
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thinks everybody needs his help. So a posture that always gives,
22:00
never receives, believing they're the expert everyone
22:02
needs. How does humility transform
22:05
that? Christian humility fosters a
22:07
radically different approach. The eminently humble Christian
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thinks he needs help from everybody.
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There's a recognition of their own limits and openness to learn
22:16
from anyone, even those you might think are below you.
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A. Posture of learning.
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Yes, and Christian humility under a sense of others misery
22:24
and treats and beseeches. It appeals gently, vulnerably,
22:27
instead of commanding. If they're comfortable asking
22:30
questions, admitting they don't know, seeking input, it builds
22:33
real community. And finally, this leads to
22:36
neglecting others versus honoring all men.
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Spiritual pride, as it causes persons to assume much to
22:42
themselves, so it treats others with neglect.
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This can mean refusing to converse with carnal men as
22:48
though we counted them not worthy to be regarded.
22:50
Basically avoiding people deemed spiritually inferior or
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unconverted, thinking they're not worth the time.
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A. Kind of spiritual snobbery or
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exclusivity. Exactly, they might feel too
22:59
spiritual for worldly people or conversations.
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So pride creates this bubble. What does humility do instead?
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Christian humility disposes persons to honor all men as from
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first Peter 2.17. It's a universal respect, seeing
23:13
the image of God and everyone. Christians should condescend to
23:17
carnal man as Christ has condescended to us, to bear with
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our unteachableness and stupidity.
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Now, condescend here doesn't mean being patronizing.
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It means willingly lowering oneself, meeting people where
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they are, just like Christ did for us.
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So it's about engagement, not withdrawal.
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Right. Patiently engaging with
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everyone, modeling Christ's grace.
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It's an expansive love that crosses boundaries, values
23:39
everyone, and seeks to connect and serve, not retreat into some
23:43
spiritual elite. This has been incredibly
23:45
illuminating, really, seeing these behaviors contrasted so
23:48
clearly. It paints such a vivid picture
23:51
of the internal state, doesn't it?
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So for the listener who is now reflecting on their own walk,
23:56
maybe seeing glimpses of both pride and humility in
23:58
themselves, what are the actionable steps?
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What are the practical implications of understanding
24:02
this and actually working to overcome spiritual pride and
24:05
cultivate humility? Yeah, the practical implications
24:07
are huge, really significant for a Christian life.
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First, it enables spiritual growth and provides genuine
24:14
protection. Overcoming pride means closing
24:18
this door to devilish influence. Remember, since it's the main
24:21
door and the main handle. Shutting the gate.
24:23
Right when that door is shut, it's not just a minor fix.
24:27
It removes A crucial barrier, allowing God's healing work to
24:30
happen in areas that were maybe stuck before.
24:34
Other spiritual diseases can finally be healed because their
24:37
root is being addressed. This also means becoming
24:40
genuinely open to learning and divine light.
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Your understanding of truth gets clearer.
24:44
You avoid persistent errors because you're not resisting
24:47
correction anymore. Seeing clearly again.
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Exactly. Pulling that beam of pride out
24:51
lets you see clearly improving spiritual discernment across the
24:54
board. And remember, nothing sets a
24:57
Christian so much out of the devil's reach than humility.
25:00
It provides significant protection against spiritual
25:02
snares because pride, the main entry point for deception, is
25:06
being dealt with. So it's foundational for our own
25:08
spiritual health and safety. How does it change things in
25:11
community with other people? Secondly, it radically changes
25:15
interpersonal relationships and communication.
25:18
When pride gives way to humility, there's just less
25:20
criticism and more compassion towards others.
25:23
The focus shifts to your own spiritual condition.
25:26
Instead of picking apart others, you're aware of your own need
25:29
for grace. That naturally leads to more
25:31
charity and understanding. Less judgement, more empathy.
25:34
Exactly. And instead of harsh language,
25:36
it fosters respectful, gentle communication.
25:39
Arguments can become dialogues. Truth can actually be spoken in
25:42
love. This leads to a collaborative,
25:44
service oriented approach. You start honoring others rather
25:48
than trying to control things. You value every voice.
25:51
Building unity instead of division.
25:53
Right. It fosters authentic living,
25:55
avoid self exaltation, promotes unity.
25:57
And when opposition comes, humility responds with patience,
26:00
trust in God, no bitterness. It brings an inner peace even
26:04
when things outside are tough. OK, and what about the impact on
26:07
our inner life, our personal walk with God?
26:09
Thirdly, it deepens personal piety and self-awareness.
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Overcoming pride result in much greater self-awareness of your
26:16
own failings and a humble assessment of yourself, not
26:20
comparing yourself favorably to others.
26:22
It means a more honest look at your own heart, which is
26:25
essential for genuine repentance.
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Seeing yourself as you really are.
26:28
Yes, and it encourages authentic worship with reverence and
26:32
trembling. That self confident boldness
26:35
before God gets replaced by proper awe.
26:37
Worship becomes less about us, more about Him.
26:41
It also frees you from needing external validation.
26:43
You find contentment without having to be the center of
26:46
attention. That's incredibly liberating.
26:48
Freedom from needing applause. Totally, and it encourages
26:51
compassion and willingness to engage with all people
26:53
regardless of their spiritual state.
26:55
It means really condescending in the right way, meeting people
26:58
where they are like Christ did for us.
27:00
It breaks down those spiritual bubles.
27:02
It sounds like the overall message from Edwards is that
27:04
this isn't just about tweaking a few habits.
27:06
It's about reorienting the very core of our spiritual selves.
27:10
A complete internal overhaul, almost.
27:13
What would Edward say are the practical disciplines or the
27:16
ongoing work needed to actually cultivate this humility?
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That's a great question. Given pride, secret nature,
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Edwards would definitely emphasize this is a lifelong
27:25
discipline, not a one and done thing.
27:28
First, he'd call for constant, vigilant self suspicion.
27:32
Not paranoia, but a healthy skepticism about our own
27:34
motives. Knowing how to see full of heart
27:36
is It means actively questioning ourselves, especially when we
27:40
feel that little surge of self satisfaction or when we're quick
27:42
to judge, asking. OK, wait, is pride creeping in
27:45
here? Being watchful for the subtle
27:46
sign. Exactly.
27:48
Second, he stresses fervent, specific prayer for divine
27:51
insight. Since we can't see it ourselves,
27:53
we desperately need God's help. His advice to cry most earnestly
27:56
to the great searcher of hearts is practical.
27:59
We need to specifically ask God to reveal hidden pride, expose
28:03
its layers, and give us the grace to deal with it.
28:06
Only His Spirit can shine that light.
28:08
We need his help to see it. Absolutely.
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Third, Edwards would urge us to embrace and welcome reproof and
28:14
criticism. Remember, even wrongful charges
28:17
don't mean we shouldn't examine ourselves.
28:19
This means training ourselves to actually listen to feedback,
28:21
even if it stings, and ask, could God be showing me
28:25
something here? Being open to learning from
28:27
anyone. Even when it's hard to hear.
28:29
Especially them. 4th We cultivate humility by meditating
28:33
deeply on God's absolute sovereignty and grace.
28:37
The more we grasp God's majesty and His unmerited favor, the
28:40
smiler our own self importance becomes.
28:42
It properly aligns us when we see that any good in US is pure
28:46
gift. Pride just doesn't have room to
28:48
breathe. It shifts our focus upward.
28:50
Focusing on God, not ourselves. And finally, it involves
28:53
practicing act of self denial and service to others.
28:56
Humility isn't just internal, it shows up in action.
28:59
Intentionally putting others first, serving quietly,
29:02
embracing small tasks. These things chip away at self
29:05
exultation, choosing to condescend, rightly engaging
29:08
with everyone, prioritizing others needs.
29:11
It's practicing Christ's humility daily.
29:13
So it sounds like the overall message from Edwards is really
29:15
that this isn't just about tweaking a few habits, but about
29:18
reorienting the very core of our spiritual selves.
29:21
It's a radical call for internal realignment.
29:24
Precisely. Edward's framed spiritual pride
29:26
as God's most stubborn enemy, the first sin in, the last sin
29:30
out, so healing it is paramount. It requires constant vigilance,
29:34
readiness to be self suspicious, and fervent prayer.
29:37
Cultivating genuine humility is the path to spiritual clarity,
29:41
authentic connection with God, and healthy, loving
29:43
relationships. It really is the key that
29:45
unlocks genuine growth. Hashtag #outron.
29:49
What a deep dive into the nature of spiritual pride and the well,
29:52
the liberating qualities of humility.
29:55
From understanding its subtle deceptions to recognizing its
29:58
fruits in our own lives, Edward's insights offer a potent
30:01
challenge and a clear path forward for anyone seeking to
30:04
walk more closely with God. This idea of humility as the
30:07
foundation for all other spiritual healing really gives
30:09
us so much to consider, doesn't it?
30:11
Indeed, it calls us to look inward with well, with
30:14
earnestness, and to look upward for divine assistance.
30:18
This deep dive has shown us that true spiritual advancement
30:20
begins not with outward show or assume to wisdom, but really
30:24
with a humble heart. A heart that's open to God's
30:27
gracious leading and, you know, a readiness to see ourselves as
30:30
we truly are. It's a reminder that often the
30:33
most powerful growth comes from letting go of what we think we
30:36
are and embracing who God says we can be through His grace.
30:41
We hope this deep dive into Edwards undiscerned spiritual
30:44
pride has offered you not just information, but maybe something
30:47
to chew on, something that might help you assess your own heart
30:50
and walk today. How might cultivating a truly
30:53
humble posture redefine your perception of yourself, of
30:56
others, and even of God's ways in your everyday life?
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That's definitely a thought to carry with you.