PRIDE IS A VIRUS

​In this day and age where many are misguided by society through the inundation of information there is a problem which must be addressed before matters get worse. Pride has infected the individual and whole groups of like-minded ethnic and lifestyle choice people who take unhealthy “pride” in who they are to the point of forcing their idealisms on others.  Pride is a sinful disease that is sometimes very hard to spot even within oneself. Pride attacks the heart which affects our eyesight distorting how we see reality. Pride changes our view so that the ugliness which is sin becomes a right way of living. No one can truly say they do not have moments of pride because we all like to pat ourselves on the back for the good things we accomplish. Pride then, is the undetected sin in the heart that when left fully unchecked can kill us physically, spiritually, and eternally. To fight this we need to understand some of the basic indicators that we are suffering from the Virus of Pride.
When we find faults in others while ignoring our own we forget to seek the good in people.
 So many first impressions are ruined when the body language of either person gives reason for a dislike when an individual is really a good person with minor quirks. Does not Jesus warn us to, “first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye (Matthew 7:5).”? Or even, “Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? (In scolding Jesus continues) Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye (Luke 6:42).” Sometimes we like to think our faith is bigger than others even when we are struggling with our beliefs. Get the log out before looking to remove another’s, you may find the person is more faithful than you no matter their sin.
On that same note when we see someone being proud in their sins and lifestyles should we berate them when they are struggling or so deep in their own pride they take serious offense? NO. We all struggle and it not our place to judge. When a person is seeking forgiveness and we focus on their sinfulness so much that they run away, who is the unforgiven one? However correction is necessary but not through chiding. It is called tough love and helping them recognize their sin on their own through the Holy Spirit work. Then bringing in Christ.
Pride makes us superficial. So much so that we become more concerned on how others perceive us rather than working on the secret unseen sins. One result is we become bold in God’s presence rather than humble. Our defensive nature overruns our Christian humility especially when someone points our own faults to us. Remember, God sees all things, He is omniscient and omnipresent. You cannot hide from Him. He knows your secrets and pride cannot hide them.
Pride is an attention monger. Calling attention to one’s lifestyle or ethnicity and placing it high above all else is a very dangerous thing. The world has dedicated celebrations of certain lifestyles and so called “minority” ethnicities, placing them on pedestals that need to be cracked down. Boasting about living in a lifestyle that is considered sinful by four major religions is poisonous to the world has led to mass acceptance of the sin as a normal thing causing a perverting of God’s Word and the distortion of faith.     
Having pride in oneself as a person is one thing as long as it does not lead to foolishness, boasting, and resentfulness of others. Before patting ourselves for an accomplishment, give God the glory first and then praise Him for the opportunity.
 There are different levels of pride in which some are healthy and the rest, not so much. Be aware of how you act and react with others. Keep a humble heart but recognize when you are to take the lead or be stern with another. Be wary of those who trap you in their sins through acceptance of said sins. Keep God’s Word on your heart and you will see through the Adversary working in others to trap you and take you from God.  
How should we handle this current situation. With God’s Tough Love.
PRIDE IS A VIRUS, GOD’S LOVE and  WORD IS THE VACCINE