Endurance Without Humility Is Pride

“If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles I put in their way, they will die. [Ezekiel 3.20a]

Here is an interesting passage from which we may glean valuable insight into our own lives and circumstances.

I hate to say it, but Christianity is rife with teachings and doctrines that make life "obstacles" out to be random events that humans must endure. The reason I hate to say it is because these teachings and doctrines are in error if they do not attribute obstacles as being indicators of their need to repent and return to righteousness and truth.

God does not put or allow obstacles in our lives except that there is a need for repentance in our lives.

I will put it like this: It is my firm belief that a great difference will be seen in the person who "endures hardships and stays true to God" versus the person who "repents in he midst of hardships (also an 'endurance' if you will) and grows in relationship with God."

The Bible is clear that we will need to endure to the end. That is straight Bible and is correct. However, endurance without humility is pride. In the midst of trials, if we do not repent - acknowledging our role in sin and the sin of our people or nation (because obstacles are put or allowed in front of us by God) - we are displaying stubborn human will.

Christian strength is not found in enduring trials with iron resolve.

Christian strength is found in a humble and contrite heart. It is found in repentance and humility before Holy God so that He might work Kingdom works through the one who recognizes and confesses he is nothing apart from God in him.

Obstacles are a good thing only in that they indicate the need for us to return to God. Obstacles, in and of themselves, are not the point. The point is that obstacles indicate the need for repentance. They indicate that the way of righteousness has been left and needs to be returned to.

But didn't the Apostle Paul indicate that he was given a thorn in the flesh?

So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh... [2 Corinthians 12.7]

Paul had a pride issue that needed repentance! Yes, God's grace is sufficient - but it is sufficient for the repentant! God's grace is a response to faith and faith alone. But faith is powerless from an unrepentant heart!

We need to un-learn a lot of bad teaching. To endure obstacles without repentance is PRIDE!

So, you want to keep the obstacles and trials coming? Just stay proud and endure!

Father, I have been so proud. Forgive me for "enduring" hardships and obstacles without repenting.