FISHERS OF MEN
Pride (Part1): When we speak of sin we usually place a specific connotation on the word. If someone were to say, "What is the worst sin there is?" Our answer might be prompted by a number of past experiences. The person who has seen his home destroyed by alcohol might think this sin to be drunkenness. To another who has seen his home destroyed by infidelity, it might be adultery. It is certainly not my purpose to try to select one sin as the worst and then try to prove to all that I am right. However, I am going to suggest one which many believe to be the greatest of sins. You do not have to agree but you will have to admit that it is a terrible sin - or then, again, maybe you won’t because most of us are really quite unwilling to admit to this sin. Chaucer said in his "Canterbury Tales, "Now they be called chieftains for as much as they be chief, and from them spring all other sinnes. The root of these sinnes then is Pride, the general root of all harms. From this root spring certain branches: as ire, envy, avarice, gluttony, lecery: and each of these chief sinnes hath his branches and his twigs." The vice I am talking about is Pride or Self Conceit; and the virtue opposite to in Christian morals, is called Humility. Well, now, we have come to the center. The essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison. It was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind. As one turns back the pages of history and reads what many religious men had to say about sin, you will find that they put Pride at the top of the list on many occasions. Yet, how many times today do we read an article on the subject on Pride? How many sermons have you heard preached on the subject of Pride? How often have we participated in a discussion in a Bible class on the subject of Pride? How many sinners have you heard confess that they were proud and that they requested the prayers of the church on their behalf? Why is it that we have neglected this sin and some others that are related to it? Is it that we lack depth? Or, is it that this is such a prevalent sin and even among Christians that it has by its popularity become a respectable sin? At any rate, whatever, the reason for the neglect, it is something that should not be neglected. The Bible has a great deal to say about Pride. For the next two articles I will be writing on the subject. Perhaps it would be good to close this article with Proverbs 6:16-19, "These six things does the Lord hate: Yea, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies and he that sows discord among brethren." Think on These Things! Robert Swain
2316 East Hundred Road
Chester, Virginia 23836
(804) 530-1764
Building located 1.6 miles west of Hopewell, VA on route 10 (2316 East Hundred Road)