I’m going to make a point that departs from what we have been reflecting on based on Winston Churchill’s speech to a graduating class: “Never. Never. Never give up!” If we follow his advice there is a good likelihood we will succeed in what we are attempting. If indeed we succeed we’ll probably be praised for our effort. And therein lies a danger we need to deal with – success and praise often lead to pride. So if we want to succeed in a way that pleases and honors God we’ll need to give up self praise and pride.
We must never, never, never give up in our pursuit of finishing what we set out to accomplish. But in our pursuit we must always give up our natural tendency to seek self praise and pride. God has declared repeatedly throughout the Bible that He resists the proud. 1 Peter 5:5 says, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud.’” In Proverbs 8:13 wisdom personified declares, “I hate pride and arrogance.” In Proverbs 16:18 it says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
It was President Nixon who wrote in the introduction to his book, Six Crises, the most difficult time is before a crises as you prepare yourself for it. The easiest time is in the crises itself, if you are well prepared. The most dangerous time is right after a crises. That’s when you relax and let your guard down as you bask in the success of getting through the crises.
Success is sweet and enjoyable, but pride stands at the door, opening the way for destruction. Always avoid self praise and pride.
