Great big dog and pride.

Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)

Pride goes before destruction,

    a haughty spirit before a fall.

Simon was a rascal. A great big, handsome brute of a dog who loved to get the best of you. Gentle with children, wily with adults. His owner’s pride often took a fall while walking him as he never knew when he would decide to take advantage of a moment's inattentiveness. He would be strolling along enjoying their daily walk, proud of being able to handle his big fellow on the end of the leash, when suddenly when in mid-stride, he would bolt.

Many a neighbor was left howling with laughter as they witnessed him being jerked into the air behind Simon, while hanging onto his leash for dear life as his feet hit the pavement on the fly and directed him to the nearest telephone pole where he could fling his arms around it in order to bring them both to a screeching halt. But this was only the beginning of their enjoyment and his continued lesson in learning the art of humility. For the next step involved picking the splinters out of the side of his face that hit the pole, while trying to look nonchalant about the whole affair in order to save the small scrap of what was left of his pride and dignity.

Humility is a hard lesson to learn. It is a necessary one however, for as the Scriptures tell us, pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. And how our enemy the devil loves to see the destruction and fall of our plans, our spirits and our relationships.

Much like Simon, the evil one is always prowling around waiting and watching for those moments of inattentiveness in our lives as Christians. Moments when we take our eyes off Jesus, His will and way, to covet our own. At such times, if we are not quick to recognize and reverse our folly, our spiritual feet can be yanked out from beneath us in the blink of an eye, leaving us feeling humiliated in front of friends, family, and most especially our Lord.

Simon was simply a rascal who loved a bit of fun. Satan however is our arch enemy whose purpose is to destroy the works and will of God in his people. So look out! Be attentive! Stay focused on Jesus and you won't be left trying to nonchalantly remove the splinters of spiritual humiliation from your spirit and memory at the end of the day.

Dear Lord, we love your humility which led you to lay aside your kingly crown for a time that you might come to earth and dwell among us. Teach us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.