Before Every Fall

“But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys.” Daniel 6:20-21

Pride always comes before a fall. We must guard ourselves against this evil. Remember that Satan before his act of rebellion was a beautiful creation of God, who led the angels in worship to the Lord of Heaven. But then pride was found in him and he was cast down to the earth. He became an evil serpent - the adversary of our souls.

Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon began to attribute his glorious success to his own achievements. He became proud in his heart and did not glorify the Lord. God made him like a beast. His hair and his nails grew long and he crawled on all fours. It was only after He humbled himself before the Lord that He was restored to his senses. God then also restored to him his kingdom.

When we fall into pride, we become subject to the base elements of our nature. We are fallen beings that can only follow God as we walk in the Spirit. Pride rebels against the Holy Spirit. When we follow after pride, we open ourselves to all the works of the flesh. Instead of mirroring our Maker, we take on the attributes of the devil.

Our only hope is to humble ourselves before the Lord. He will meet us with mercy. He will restore our standing before Him. Pride is an ugly abomination to the Lord. We all, at times, are guilty of it. Let's learn to be meek and quiet in spirit. Let's acknowledge the Lord in all our ways. As we do, we will draw near to the only One who can keep us from falling.

Dear Lord of Heaven and Earth,

I acknowledge that You alone are King. Left alone I am wretched and prone to sin, but I submit to You. Thank You for enabling me to follow You. I give You all the glory and all the praise for what You have done and what You will do in my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.