Original sin does not just refer to the fall of man long time ago;
more relevant to us; it refers to the sin that causes man to be separated
from God NOW.
The first and deadliest sin is PRIDE,
it is the root of all evil.
Pride is deeply rooted in western culture, and some countries'
culture are more well known for it than others.
But it is in all of us.
As parents we are blown up with personal pride when our children do well,
because we believe it reflects well on us, and even when someone in our
extended family excels, we let it drop in conversation that we are related to
this person, as if thus some of that "glory" will somehow shine on us too.
It is pride that prevents people from admitting they are wrong or that they
wronged somebody, and therefore the all important asking for forgiveness
does not materialize.
It is pride that makes us believe that we are better than others, in whatever
way, which is the personal judgement of ourselves, and pride will always
lead to our own humiliation, sooner or later.
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives
grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and
he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
(James 4, 6-8)
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
(James 4, 10)
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.
For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive,
disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable,
slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless,
swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having
the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people."
(2 Timothy 3:1-5)
"Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the
mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let
him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am
the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
(Jeremiah 9:23-24)
(Proverbs 11:2)
When we achieve something, and when we receive something,
our only pride should be Our Lord, because it was Him who
gave it to us.
" Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
be assured, he will not go unpunished."
(Proverbs 16:5)
"One's pride will bring him low,
but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor."
(Proverbs 29:23)
"For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar."
(Psalm 138:6)
"Do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not
you who support the root, but the root that supports you."
(Romans 11:18)
"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who
are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one
another and compare themselves with one another, they are without
understanding."
(2 Corinthians 10:12)
Greed (or avarice) is when you are never satisfied, you never have enough,
no matter what it is.
Lust is most commonly associated with sexual desire, but it can also
be about money, power or food (gluttony), as distinct from our need for food.
The problem stems from a lack of self control.
Envy, or jealousy, is an atrocious monster, which causes horrendous
destruction, especially if it is not recognized and acknowledged by
the person itself; it can even result in death.
Gluttony, as mentioned above, is a serious sin.
In some cultures eating a lot of good and rich food is seen as a sign
of wealth and a good standard of living.
But nowadays we see overeating; eating more than the body needs,
as a sign of mental instability and a lack of self control.
It manifests itself in obesity.
Today we can all observe the amount
of people around us who falls into that category,
it is horrendous and grotesque.
as a sign of mental instability and a lack of self control.
It manifests itself in obesity.
Today we can all observe the amount
of people around us who falls into that category,
it is horrendous and grotesque.
Anger can often be justified, it arises spontaneously within us.
It is not a sin to feel anger, but it is a sin to "lash out"
we have to control it.
If somebody actually, in reality did us wrong,
which caused the anger; a hot feeling, remember that revenge
is a dish that is best served cold.
That is why we have to step back and let events take their course.
We must not interfere with it.
Laziness is a tricky one, we can all easily find excuses for not
doing things that ought to be done.
It has to do with self discipline, and keeping a healthy balance
between work and rest. Laziness can also be about selfishness,
letting others carry out tasks for us, in stead of sharing them.
If there is idleness, laziness, or inactivity we shut down spiritually.
Telling lies brings guilt
Inability to forgive brings bitterness,
Putting oneself first is selfishness,
Always seeking pleasure and entertainment,
results in forgetting about God
Following one's own will and feelings instead of God's
decrees is disobedience
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