JOY comes by putting Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last Everyone wants to enjoy life. Many people place the source of their joy in what they own, in their reputation, in their status, or in other worldly things. Yet, all of those things are unstable and can easily evaporate, taking joy with them. In the end, we will depart this world just as we entered it--with nothing (Ecclesiastes 5:15). So, although all of these sensual pleasures may provide short-term happiness, they clearly fail to provide genuine, lasting joy (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11). On the other hand, true joy is offered in Christ. In John 10:10, Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Living life to the full includes living it overflowing with joy. It's no wonder that the psalmist wrote, you will fill me with joy in your presence (Psalm 16:11). And You have filled my heart with greater joy ... (Psalm 4:7). In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus quoted the first few verses of Isaiah 61 and applied it to Himself. In Isaiah 61:3, that quote continues by saying that he (in this case, Jesus) came to provide for those who grieve in Zion -- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. One of the side effects of Jesus coming to Earth was that we could have lasting joy. Indeed, the gladness and joy that so many people so desperately want can be found only in Jesus. Proud people are so proud about their supposed humility that they won't seek any help. Pride can be blinding. It is possible to become so prideful and haughty that a person doesn't even recognize his or her own pride. Such pride leads to disgrace: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). Likewise, someone who is prideful thinks that he or she knows everything; such a person refuses to receive correction or instruction. Proverbs 13:10 says, Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Furthermore, pride leads to and causes destruction: Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall(Proverbs 16:18). This is because proud people are blinded to reality -- the reality of their sins. Therefore, admit that you have a problem with pride, because otherwise God will be obligated to show you that you have a pride problem. God may have to humble you by humiliating you. With all these verses in the Bible warning us not to be prideful, it is no surprise that a man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor(Proverbs 29:23).
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