Have I mentioned how much I like Everett’s 6th grade Bible curriculum for homeschool? Well, I do. We use a curriculum published by BJU Press and written by members of the faculty and staff of Bob Jones University. I’m always on the lookout for lessons that may lean in the wrong direction or get off focus. I want my kids to study the Bible for all it’s worth, not just for historical facts. This curriculum has not disappointed me so far. Although I stay on top of what my children are studying and discuss it with them, I’m finding more and more confidence in this curriculum. I’m finding it to be trustworthy.
The 6th grade version of BJU’s Bible Truths series is subtitled REDEMPTION–God’s Grand Design. I have been so pleased with the lessons presented from God’s Word and from the hymns we study. Today’s lesson presented the sin of pride for examination. This is surely something every 6th grader should study from a biblical perspective, but it is no less important for any of us to study. Pride is a constant battle for us all.
We’re first directed to Matthew 15:18-19. “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” These verses show us just how unhealthy our heart, the center of our thoughts and emotions, can be. The condition of our spiritual heart determines what we say and do.
Next, we are told of the transforming work that happens when God changes a person’s heart. This is what happens to those God chooses to save. God changes a hard heart to one that desires the ways of God, and the Holy Spirit becomes our helper to resist the temptations of sin. Pride is one of these sins which can control our heart and affect every other area of our life. These verses are given as evidence of how God feels about pride and the effects it has on our lives:
“By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10
“The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” Proverbs 8:13
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2
James 4:6 tells us that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5 restates that position, but gives us more of a concentrated focus. “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” This verse piqued my curiosity, so I looked deeper. My ESV study Bible explained further that “younger” is probably referring to younger members of the congregation who are more likely to be headstrong and resistant to leadership. This verse is a reminder to those to submit themselves to the elders. I think this does not only apply to youth in age, but also to youth in terms of spiritual life, experience and growth. We can all learn from those who have more knowledge and experience than we do. This verse instructs all of us to deny our self-oriented nature and relate with humility to one another.
The lesson went on to say that pride can be seen on our faces, in our speech, and observed in our actions. Pride is described as deceit. We will deceive ourselves that we are better than we are, and we may succeed at deceiving others to believe we are better than we are which is much less likely, but we need not ever think we can deceive God. God sees the pride in our heart even when no one else can.
Micah 6:8 tells us that the Lord requires us to do justice, love kindness (mercy), and to walk humbly with God. These are the primary forms of love. These are what the Lord expects of us in response to his redemptive acts. These are what the Lord desires from his people.
We would do well to look to areas of our lives in which we have confidence. These are prime targets for an attack of pride. We must be on guard against this sin in our lives. Upon recognizing this heart condition of pride, we must confess it and ask God for help in fighting it.
Upon discussion Everett and I were easily able to think of areas in each of our lives where too much confidence is a hindrance. One thing I make sure my children know is this, I am as great a sinner as any person who ever lived. My sins may not be the same as any other person, but they are no less horrific because they detract from God’s goodness and the glory that he deserves. The good news is that God is faithful. He continues to show himself to me in might and power that I might learn and grow in dependence on him. It is through this dependence that He can use even my failures to glorify Himself. Thanks be to a supremely good God for his grand design of redemption!