5/9/2007
<br>Author: Brandon Bass
<br>Title: Pride Could Cost You Your Whole World
<br><br>This idea comes from what Jesus states in Matthew 5:5.  Here He says, “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole world.”  This is usually seen as a statement about meek people receiving the Earth because of their humility.  This isn’t an incorrect view, but I don’t believe it’s the only picture that this verse can paint.  Maybe the “whole world” that this verse speaks of is your own.  Look at your own world.  Are there some parts of it that you would change, but you feel like you can’t?  Maybe a dumb habit, a dead-end job, a bad relationship, or all the above and more.  Many times we feel almost locked out from enjoying the world we live in because of these areas in our lives.<br>Wouldn’t you like to have joy in freedom from sin, purpose in life, understanding in relationships with the ones you love.  Of course, we all do, and this statement from Jesus in Matthew 5:5, lets us in on how we can have this.  This same verse said another way, “God won’t bless those who are prideful, for they will not inherit the whole world.”<br>If God blesses the humble then He won’t bless the prideful.  Can you be described by this word?  Do you try to handle tough issues by yourself?  Do you accept good advice from others?  Or, is your way the only right way?  If any of this describes you then prideful is a better adjective than humble to use about yourself.<br>You know that He wants you to enjoy your whole world.  That’s why He came that you may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)  A prideful person will never have life, at least, not to the full.  Be humble enough to let Him in to all of your world, and then you will inherit your whole world.<br>Thankful for You,<br>Brandon<br>You only live once...but if you work it right, once is enough.<br><br>