Pride is a Cheater

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny. . . because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment . . . because you "deserve better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge . . .because you already know it all.
I cheat you of healing . . .because you're too full of me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness. . . because you refuse to admit when you're wrong.
I cheat you of vision . . . because you'd rather look in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship . . . because nobody's going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love. . . because real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven . . . because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory . . .because I convince you to seek your own.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I'm always looking out for you. Untrue.
I'm looking to make a fool of you.
God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry . . .
If you stick with me
You'll never know.
--Beth Moore, from Praying God's Word

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18