“Peoples' Relationships Incredibly Dissolve Everyday!(P.R.I.D.E)” 

By Ramesh C.Reddy
Pittsburgh Standard

May 28, 2008

Editors Note: The devotional has a background song  which can be heard if you use Internet Explorer.

Observation:
What is the king’s reaction to the girl’s request?
The king was greatly distressed!

What did the king do?

1. But because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.

2. So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head.

Interpretation:
What do we learn about King Herod?
Herod was not just distressed with the girl’s request but GREATLY distressed. The distress was a lot because he knew what she requested is something he did not want to give her even though he promised to give anything. He did not expect her to ask for John the Baptist’s head. Yet, that is what she asked!

He could have refused her so he could do right and admit that he made a mistake but because of his oaths and his dinner guests he did not want to refuse her. In essence, he let pride take over him and was willing to let a prophet die because of his pride.

This created a ripple effect and pain to those who loved John the Baptist. On hearing what happened to John the Baptist, his disciples came, took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

Implications:
I saw important implications for my own life. Keeping oaths and promises is very important but when it endangers someone’s life or hurts someone else's life and we are able to change it, I believe we should if we are not going against God's Word.

First of all, we should not even make an oath or promise but let our ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and our ‘no’ be ‘no’. Herod was not willing to go that direction because of his pride.

I should not let my pride get in the way of doing what is right. First of all this kind of pride is not even biblical. It is the opposite of humility. No good comes out of this kind of pride. It only hurts people because we put ourselves above others when we have this kind of pride.

This type of pride is especially dangerous in relationships because a relationship that is not based on seeking the Lord first and each other second is bound to fail eventually.

What happens is there is no humility there because people start thinking ‘what will my boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, family/friends think of me because of such an action’ without thinking ‘what would the Lord think of me because of such an action’

Once the Lord is at the forefront of any relationship, I believe hurts will be minimized a lot because both sides will be seeking to please the Lord and love the Lord and in the process they could start pleasing each other. The relationships will be built on humbling themselves before the Lord before humbling themselves before each other.

Self wants and needs are covered over by what God wants! Herod was so self-absorbed with his kingdom and guests that he did not want to humble himself before the Lord and do the right thing. Instead, he thought what other people might think of him if he changed his mind on something that was wrong. This cost a person his life.

The Lord placed humanity to be in a relationship with each other. Any relationship should not be based on pride and prejudice but should be based on humility and love. Once pride creeps in, eventually there will come destruction without it being covered over by humility. We may not even see it right away.

This happens even now. Jesus made me see,  while studying this passage, how I have let pride influence me when I have not focused on the Lord.  It is pride that has caused a rift between myself and John Doe. I know Jesus wants me to deal with that because Jesus is about building relationships and encouraging others instead of tearing relationships and discouraging others.

I asked myself why do I have pride?
At the forefront of pride, is my own sinful nature when I have not let the Spirit guide me. Sadly, I want what I want when I want it and have felt that pride will get me that. I have wanted others to think highly of me so I have even tried to disassociate with certain people. More than thinking highly of me, I don't want people to think less of me and felt having pride will make that happen just as king Herod did. Also, just like Herod I don't like to be embarrassed in front of other people so I have done things that are not Christ-like which I am not pleased about. Having pride only let me make Satan happy and not anyone I wanted to establish a relationship whether it was family or friends.

Just on Sunday, May 25, 2008, I came to the point that what I say using my tongue needs to be rectified as much as I am able to do on my part and leave the results in the Lord's hands. But, even to do that, it was because of pride I took action.  I did not want a brother in Christ to think less of me so I was moved to action. This is so sad because that is what moved me to action instead of me moving to action because of Jesus.

Eventually, I came to the point that I will not let pride dictate what I share with others no matter how less they think of me but will be humble and share what is on my mind depending on the Lord Jesus and leaving the results in the Lord's hands. I even felt I could lose a leadership position if I shared what I shared but I did not let that get to them when I focused on the Lord.

Pride does not have to be individualistic but pride can be communal too and there is danger in that too! Families and nations have been destroyed because of pride.

There are families who are so self-absorbed with pride of their accomplishments that they want their children to follow in their footsteps. It is all about what will society think about them if their children go another path. So, many times children are forced to do things they may not want and there is danger in that.

A pastor shared with me that when he was young and became a follower of Christ after being a Hindu, his dad was so upset. His dad went and got a Hindu priest to come talk to him about what he did. His dad might have had so much pride about what others will think of him and his family after his son gave his life to Christ that he could not bear it.

The pastor goes on to share how he locked himself in the bathroom for hours that day and would not come out until the Hindu priest eventually left his house. He was so scared what his dad would do to him but he humbled himself before the Lord and depended on Jesus to take care of him.

His story is amazing because here I saw the results of seeking the Lord in humility. Because of the young man’s love for the Lord that love was exhibited towards his parents too. No matter how much love was exhibited, he did not go against the Lord nor compromise his principles and give into being a Hindu. There are things we cannot ever go back to when we seek the Lord. He knew Jesus is the Absolute Truth and the only Way, the Truth, and the Life to have a ticket to Heaven.

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6)

We will continue to have pride in our lives unless we come to a point to realize that our pride is because of our sin and only Christ can deliver us because of what Jesus came to do. Only Christ can give a transformation in our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit when we ask Him to guide us and lead us instead of the flesh.

I ask you now dear friend, what has pride done to you?
Dear friend, pride can be destructive in our lives. I am not talking about the pride of accomplishing something but the pride that is the opposite of humility. I know pride did affect my life in different ways until I humbled myself before the Lord. I want to share with you a different story in my life from the one above.

I care a lot about what people think about me and try to change to please others as long as it does not compromise my principles, compromise the Word of God, or my faith in Jesus Christ.

Because of my pride, I wanted to excel in all my studies and have degrees in different fields such as Psychology with a 3.12/4.0 avg, Administration of Justice with a 3.85/4.0, and Legal Studies (Major 4.0/4.0) with minors in Mathematics (3.0 avg), Computer Science (3.0 avg), and Business (3.85 avg)! These are accomplishments I am excited about among others and if I was so focused on pride and not Jesus Christ, what I am doing now I would not probably be doing. I had to put my pride down because Jesus' love for me is more important that I want to share that with others.

Students and non-students would wonder what I am doing in the Food Service industry when I could do be doing anything as high as United States Secret Service but it has never been about money to me but reaching souls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have felt that being in the food service industry has given me hundreds of opportunities to reach out to many students with the love of Christ because I work on a University campus as a manager in the food service industry and come into contact with hundreds of students each day.

One day out of the blue a student gave me a puzzle that I had given many of them to solve in the hopes also that they would go to www.pittsburghstandard.com and read the religious articles. Above the puzzle she had left a Bible verse for me from Romans 8:31-32 which I needed. She told me what it says too.

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:31-32, NIV)

That verse really ministered to me and still ministers to me.

If I had let pride take over my life then being in the food service industry would not have been appealing to me with all my degrees and minors.

This does not mean I have not lost opportunities because I have but I would rather lose opportunities whether it is in a career or academia if I can be at peace where the Lord keeps me.

Herod could have lost his friends but he could have done what is right by telling Herodias’ daughter, ‘sorry I made a mistake, anything but that’ but his pride got to him.

Pride got to me many times too. I did not dare touch Psychology because I felt Psychology had no place for Christians nor did I touch Philosophy but eventually when I humbled myself before the Lord, I had no problem going into Psychology and also was able to counsel many broken hearts with the love of Christ. Whether they were involved in pornography, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, relational breakdown, etc the Lord sent all them my way to counsel and minister to them.

Eventually, I went on to become a campus minister for a college fellowship (www.ivcf.org). I also studied aspects of Philosophy and specialized in Apologetics (the defense of the Christian faith) from a philosophical point of view. I wanted to reach the students before the Philosophy professors instilled doubts in them. I have had opportunities to do that and I thank the Lord so much.

My Indian Hindu friends were more shocked than my American friends because I was Indian and went into campus ministry and  into the  Food Service Industry. It was surprising for my dad too because ever since I was young I wanted to go to Harvard Law School and become a lawyer. That changed in my junior year of college and eventually I went on to work with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Yet, the Lord has given me opportunities to study law classes expand my academic horizons where I am at. Last semester, I have had wonderful opportunities to get to know the students from Campus Crusade for Christ, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Asian Christian Fellowship, Ambassadors for Christ, and Cornerstone ministry and still see some during the summer and chat.

 I do not think it would have happened if I had pride and thought to myself that I am Indian and Indians usually go into computer science, engineering, or being doctors, etc not the food service industry. This does not mean those who pursue prestigious careers do not have opportunities. Neither does it mean they are the only careers out there for people. I have friends who are pursuing engineering, medicine, law, etc and still love the Lord Jesus so much and want to do things for His honor and glory!

Personally, I knew if I humbled myself and went into a field that was not highly respected in the Indian community, it would be very difficult for marriage but I trust in the Lord and depend on Him to give me the One He chooses for me as I tell him all I desire.

I am once again reminded of Romans 8:31-32:
"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:31-32, NIV)

Pride is about self and self can destroy relationships. When pride is at the forefront, usually accomplishments are emphasized because we think 'what our parents may think, what our friends may think, etc if I go into this field, if I do this job, if I date this person, or if I decide to marry this person.' Worse yet, 'what may others think if I am with this guy or girl when they do not meet the standards of my parents, friends, etc.'

We want others approval so much, many times we give up what we desire or even know maybe right for us.

Has that happened to you friend?
I know it has happened to me. It is easy to happen when our focus is taken of the Lord and we become so self-absorbed. If it has happened, confess and repent of it to the Lord and let Him work in your life. He will friend!

You can confess and repent of your shortcomings to the Lord including your pride because of what Jesus already did for you. Friend, Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to death, death even on a cross for your sake and mine. Jesus did not let pride get in the way thinking He is God and He will not stoop low for humanity because He is perfect.

On the contrary, Jesus died on the cross for you so you can be set free. His blood was shed on the cross for you and me friend so we can be made whole, so vices such as pride, anger, resentment, etc can be nailed to the cross. If it ended with Jesus' death on the cross there would be no hope but Jesus came back to life to save you and me on the 3rd day. We need to accept what Jesus did for us, get over our pride of what others think if we give our lives to Jesus, and just do it. Give your life to Jesus for He alone can transform your life and give you a new beginning. This is not to say that everything will be peachy in our lives but the Lord will strengthen us through the trials.

I know for I have been there!  When my dad went into cardiac arrest and eventually 70 days later to be with the Lord Jesus Christ, it was hard on our family and we lost a lot of money financially too and still are recuperating from a $12,000 dollars debt but Jesus is helping us get through it day by day.

Friend, the Lord has given us free will even as Christians and will not force us to do something. If He convicts you of something He wants you to do, accomplish, or become it is because of His love for you and He knows what will be better for you in the long run even if you feel you do not like something for the moment.

He is the Author of Life and knows about our life. I have found that we will sometimes come to love things that we never would have as we focus on the Lord and His love for us transforms us that what He wants become our own desires. I never thought I would love Psychology but that changed in God's timing as I sought the Lord.

I would be wrong to say that I have not struggled sometimes with my job but I am happy. It has not been about the money for me. It never was and the Lord has always provided.

Of course our flesh will make us think thoughts we would not have if we walk in the Spirit.

I have had thoughts that I had to put behind me such as, “Maybe if I remained a Hindu and got this prestigious job, I would have been able to marry a beautiful Indian girl long time ago” or “Not having a prestigious job can be so hard to find the right person to marry since Indian culture emphasizes a lot about prestige.”

If I dwelt on those thoughts it would have affected my relationship with the Lord and I would have started to question the Lord and His ways.

I am so happy the Lord has chosen me and since He has chosen me and I continue to do things in faith, whatever happens I know I am under His precious care whatever area of my life it is. I know if I am doing things in faith thinking they are what the Lord wants me to do even if I mess up He will correct it before it is too late. He will take me in another direction! Thank you Jesus!

Friend, when Jesus went to the cross, He chose you too friend. When Jesus died on the cross, Jesus made a way for you to come to Him. On our own we never can come to Christ but because of what Christ already did to forgive the sin of humanity, we will have our sins forgiven when we accept Jesus into our heart and choose to live for Him.

Sometimes we have to put thoughts aside so they do not affect our actions. I put them aside and glorify Jesus and praise Jesus for saving me and providing an opportunity to do what brings Him glory on campus, glory through the newspaper, and through my job He has blessed me with. I know where the Lord has called, He will always provide by equipping, enabling, and empowering.

It is in Jesus Christ and in Him alone can we truly be humble. This will make a huge difference in our relationships whether they are with our Heavenly Father, with family, with friends including boyfriend-girl/ husband-wife relationships. Jesus will take care of us when we depend on Him and not our pride.

I decided to look at some of the verses dealing with pride.

“But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.” (2 Chronicles 26:16, NIV)

“Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the LORD's wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.” (2 Chronicles 32:26, NIV)

“In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” (Psalm 10:4, NIV)

“To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” (Proverbs 8:13, NIV)

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2, NIV)

“Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” (Proverbs 13:10, NIV)

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18, NIV)

“A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.” (Proverbs 29:23, NIV)

“But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.” (Daniel 5:20, NIV)

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures….That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you….Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:1-3, 6-8, 10)

Friend after having my devotional with the Lord learning about pride, I do not think that anyone who does a prestigious job are not doing God’s will. There are those who do prestigious jobs according to the world’s standards and yet are doing God’s will because the Lord has called them to that. Maybe one day I may be doing a prestigious job according to the world’s standards if it is in the will of God for me.

Personally, I think those who are pastors/campus ministers/priests, etc have a prestigious job because they are doctors of the souls whom the Lord has placed in people’s paths to lead them to Him and away from the enemy. Not only that, I believe when people’s souls are saved, their earthly life changes too because they seek after the Lord Jesus Christ and His will. If everybody seeks after the Lord in the professions they are in then we would have a much better world than the world we live in.

If the Lord calls me back into full-time ministry I want to choose to go whether it be with InterVarsity, Campus Crusade for Christ, or wherever! I want to wait upon Him in humility and so should you whatever you are doing so you can know what the Lord wants for you!

If we however go our own way to achieve our prestige without consulting the Lord, that’s where problems arise. Because of that somewhere in the world peoples’ relationships incredibly dissolve everyday! For us not to be a cause of it, we should ask Jesus Christ to reign in our lives and reign in over all our dreams, etc!

May you know that Jesus Christ will help you handle the pride of the flesh and fill you with the peace of the Holy Spirit! Amen!

“Peoples’ Relationships Incredibly Dissolve Everyday!” (P.R.I.D.E)/”What has pride done to you?”

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, my Lord and Savior, thank you so much for your love in our lives. Oh Lord, I learned this week about Herod and his actions. Lord, he let his pride come in the way of saving John the Baptists' life. Forgive us Oh Lord because we have let pride come in the way of relationships and especially our relationship with you when we have thought what other people think if they know we know you Lord. Forgive us! Help us to please present you to those around us. Help us to be humble and depend on you than letting pride take control of our lives. You Oh Lord know what we are faced with and we need your intervention and help so please help us Lord. We pray right now for the one who is suffering and down because of things happening in their lives because they have humbled themselves before you and the world sees it as bad. Thank you that you will give them strength to endure and go on with you on their side. Help them to have your joy in their lives and help us all to humble ourselves before you knowing you will lift us up for that is your promise! Thank you so much Jesus! Thank you for hearing us and answering us! We acknowledge you as our Lord and Personal Savior! Thank you for dying for our sin and coming back to life to save us. Touch and heal hearts Oh Lord. Thank you so much Jesus you have heard our prayers and answered us! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

If you want to be a soldier in the Lord's army, you can become it right now. Now is the time of Salvation! You do not have to wait but can pray this prayer and give your life to Christ to serve Him daily! There is no draft but coming to Christ is voluntary. He loves you so much and wants you to come to Him! He will take care of you, guiding you and leading you!