...and its heart was proud...

              Ezekiel 31. 10

(Pride in the Bible is not

a joy in accomplishment

but making oneself a god,

taking on the grandeur

    of God's rightful place.

Even the world recognizes it

   as haughtiness

   and despises it as arrogance.

Pride is the beginning of downfall,

the point of making different decisions,

a shift in perspective or vision,

and a change in trajectory

that puts self on the throne,

    the focus of the spotlight.

Everything shifts.

And never ends well.)

O LORD,

Help us to keep our eyes

           on You

that we may follow You

and bring glory and honor to You

          and not to ourselves.

You are the beginning of wisdom.

Help us to seek You

and not be distracted

or claim for ourselves

     the glory due Your name.

Keep us from the crime

  of claiming what is

              rightfully Yours.

May all that we do

   point others to You.

May all that You do

   be recognized

         and acknowledged

   by how we live.