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April 6, 2010 DwellingWithGod.com By Jay Gheen

Manifestations of Pride:

Consuming Yourself with What Others

Think

I know women and even some men that all they think about is what others

think of themselves when it comes to clothing or their appearance. In reality most

 people don’t give a lick about what you truly look like. Actually they are probably

focused on themselves than anyone else. So in a sense all we have is people

running around thinking of what others think of themselves, when in fact everyone

is thinking of themselves.

This doesn’t mean you need to wear worn out or torn out clothing with

AC/DC on your front T-shirt because no one else is really concerned about your 

looks. We do need to be moderate and people need to see the glory of God in us.

A proud person usually is concerned about what others think. Many times

decisions are based on how people may react or what others think. Preachers don’t

 preach the Gospel in the way it needs to be taught because many are focused on

how others think or will react. Some people continue to gain the approval of others

or rather make one happy of the choice they make. Focusing on trying to impress

others is being a man-pleaser rather than a God-pleaser.

Paul when writing to the Galatians explains that the Gospel he preaches has

caused afflictions, suffering, and strife in his life, not that he doesn’t want to do it.

But it shows that no matter how harsh it may sound to a depraved man. He is

willing to suffer for Christ sake and not for the pleasing of men. (Galatians 1:10)

Many Televangelists seek the pleasing of men’s ears rather the pleasing of 

God’s. They seek to gain in donations and seed planting and spread a false gospelthat damns many. This is flatly a sign of pride dominating the heart even though

most preachers know the truth, but they refuse to preach it. The greater 

condemnation will be on them. (James 3:1)

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April 6, 2010 DwellingWithGod.com By Jay Gheen

Martin Luther writes relating to this subject, “No man can say that we are

 seeking the favor and praise of men with our doctrine. We teach that all men are

naturally depraved. We condemn man’s free will, his strength, wisdom, and 

righteousness. We say that we obtain grace by the free mercy of God alone for 

Christ’s sake. This is no preaching to please men. This sort of preaching procures for us the hatred and disfavor of the world, persecutions, excommunications,

murders, and curses.”

James teaches us that we are adulterous people if we allow ourselves to

 become friends with the world. (James 4:4) We actually make enmity with God,

which is a war term. I for one don’t want to make war with God. I’d rather be a

God-pleaser than a man-pleaser.

References:

 Focus Publishing, Inc. 2002; The Exemplary Husband; Stuart Scott