While conscious pride may not be driving a conflict
in its inception, it certainly is what enflames and sustains it because “Where
there is strife, there is pride”. Bears normally retreat when startled by
humans, but a mother bear protecting her cubs is far more likely to viciously
attack all sudden threats. Though it
looks like rage, it is actually fear. Fear is a natural response in a fight or
flight situation. Humans also attack when feeling threatened. Keeping an issue
out front by blaming the other person is a fear response. Projected blame
protects our pride, keeping our weaknesses from being exposed. But God’s love
caps off the fountainhead of strife since “Perfect love casts out all fear”.
Father, bathe my soul and my tongue in Your perfect love and deliver me from angry
fears.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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