There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood . . . (Proverbs 6:16–17)
Satan’s original name, “Lucifer,”means “shining one, star.”Lucifer was God’s “chief angel in charge.” But one day he looked into the mirror and became all too smitten with himself. He answered his own riddle, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, I’m the fairest of them all.” Satan got what we would call a “God complex,” making him quickly dissatisfied with his position.
Eyeing God’s throne, he wondered, Maybe there’s room for two.
Ezekiel explains God’s response, “By the abundance of your trade you were internally filled with violence, and you sinned; therefore I have cast you as profane from the mountain of God. And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire” (Ezekiel 28:16).
We get a glimpse into Satan’s haughtiness and boasting, which led to God’s response, when we read of his five “I will” statements found in the book of Isaiah. These statements clearly outline Satan’s root sin, which is pride. Scripture tells us clearly that pride is first on God’s “hate list” (>Proverbs 6:16–17). One reason God hates pride is that it is the fundamental attitude of the kingdom that rivals His own. The next time you feel tempted to take glory for that which should belong to God, remember what happened to Satan.
Reflection: What was God’s response to Satan’s attempt to climb up higher than a mere creature (Isaiah 14:12–17)? Why does God hate pride? Where is pride lurking in your own life? What will your response be?
Lord, pride is a sin that seeks to take glory away from You. It is a sin that You hate strongly. Sometimes it is easier to look at more obvious sins as those that offend You while ignoring this one that often remains internal in the heart. Lord, help me not to feel superior to those who are caught in obvious sins and help me to recognize the subtle sin of pride when it swells within me so that I can be convicted to humble myself before You.
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