KEY SCRIPTURE: John 8:28 KJV” Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.”

From our key scripture, the Lord reveals that the people would know who He is when He would be lifted up, that is when He is crucified. He reveals that He would be glorified through His humiliation. He added that at that time they would know that He never did anything by Himself, but did everything on the instruction of the Father. He expressed total submission or humility unto the Father. Philip 2:5-11 admonishes us to let the mind of Jesus be in us. He demonstrated total humility, and God also has highly exalted Him, above every name, condition or situation. God gives grace to the humble, yet, He resists the proud James 4:6.

 Pride is a very serious act, because, it rebels against the very throne of God, yet many Christians walk in pride.

Why is this so? Before we answer that question, let’s look at some symptoms of pride.

1. Envy against the success of anybody is a symptom of pride.

2. Entertaining the desire for praise because of some achievement you have made in Christ is a symptom of pride. Example healings and miracles done through you.

3. When offended because somebody ‘lower’ spoke to you roughly. Is also a sign one is proud.

4. When you would not forgive a wrong done you.

5. Every offence that you take personal instead of getting offended for God, for an act against God, is a symptom of pride.

6. Those who always speak with the phrase, ‘as for me’ are all symptoms of pride.

7. Those who compare themselves with others, is a symptom of pride.

There are many more yet space would not permit me.  The simple yard stick to identify pride is any act that makes you the centre of importance are all motivated by pride. Jesus should always have the pre-eminence.

To answer the question why is there so much pride? The answer is, many sons of God, do not acknowledge the death of their flesh. You should be able to say with Paul and really mean it, that you are crucified with Christ, and it is no longer you who is living but Christ who is alive. YOU DO NOT MATTER ANY LONGER.

When I say you do not matter, I mean your true identity is Jesus. He is the one who takes all the glory. He also bears the reproaches that come against you Rom 15:3. No more any sense of shame or personal glory. It is the glory of Christ who is in you. You are now free of any personal offence. Philip 1:20. Apostle Paul says according to his Earnest expectation and hope that in nothing he would be ashamed; why, because Jesus must be magnified in him. Our humility must be absolute.

CONFESSION

I am crucified with Christ, and it is Christ who presently lives in me. I am not ashamed about anything, neither do I take glory for anything, it is Jesus in me who takes all the glory and also bears the reproaches, glory be to His name.

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 15:3 KJV “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.”

Phi 1:20 KJV” According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”