Incompatible with the Kingdom
Pride: The Hidden Barrier to Kingdom Living
Pride is one of the most significant barriers that can prevent us from truly living according to God's kingdom. As we explore Matthew 7:1-6, we discover how pride manifests in our judgments of others and creates separation from God and community.
What Makes Pride Incompatible with Kingdom Living?
Pride fundamentally says we don't need God because we are sufficient on our own. It stands in direct opposition to Jesus' example of humility - if Jesus had been prideful, He never would have come to earth or gone to the cross for us. Kingdom living requires following Jesus' model of humility.
How Does Pride Show Up in Our Judgments?
We often judge others based on our own self-made criteria rather than God's standards. This comes from a place of pride - assuming we are right and others are wrong. True biblical judgment should:
Come from humility, not superiority
Be based on Scripture, not personal preference
Focus on sin, not superficial differences
Aim to help others grow closer to God
What's Wrong with Judging Others Before Examining Ourselves?
Jesus uses the metaphor of trying to remove a splinter from someone's eye while having a beam in our own. Before addressing others' sins, we must:
Look introspectively at our own sin
Make sure that we are taking steps to follow God ourselves
Approach others with genuine humility
Act from a place of love, not condemnation
How Does Pride Lead to Isolation?
Pride isolates us in three key ways:
From our Creator - Pride separates us from depending on God
From ourselves - Pride leads to anxiety and shame when we can't live up to our own standards
From others - Pride makes us avoid people we deem "not good enough"
Life Application
This week, examine your heart for pride and commit to:
Celebrating others' strengths instead of judging their weaknesses (Matthew 7:1-5)
Being honest about your own struggles and sins (Matthew 7:5)
Viewing others as God's creation, more important than yourself (Philippians 2:3)
Actively sharing the gospel from a place of humility (Matthew 7:6)
Questions to reflect on:
Where do I tend to judge others without first examining myself?
Am I approaching relationships with pride or humility?
How can I better celebrate and encourage others instead of comparing myself to them?
What's holding me back from sharing the gospel with others?
Our challenge this week is to live as "soul winners" - humbly pursuing opportunities to share Christ's love with others, praying "God, give me one more person to reach" rather than proudly holding back the gospel.