You, Who are Sweeter than All Pleasure

Behind all other sinful dispositions lies self-determination and self-exaltation. At the root of these, lies the deepest sin: PRIDE.

So subtle is this great sin we seldom recognize its presence. Pride is a turning away from God to take satisfaction in self. As we prayerfully look at this deep-rooted sin, let us learn from the meekness of Jesus’ spirit. This lowly attitude was the very essence of Christ’s character as being God in nature he humbled himself and become obedient to death on a cross. As fellow bearers of the cross, we also, are called to follow Jesus’ extraordinary example of self-denial. By the grace of God let us strive with our whole being to emulate this Christ-like humility. Let us grasp the Greatness of Christ who is sweeter than all other self-gratifying pleasures. 

We have concluded that pride is a turning away from God to take pleasure in self. Sins we need to be AWARE that stem off of Pride:

· Unbelief: is a turning away from God in order to seek satisfaction in other things

· Covetousness: a turning away from God to find satisfaction in things.

· Impatience: turning away from God to find satisfaction in your own rapid plan of action.

· Lust: turning away from God to find satisfaction in sex.

· Bitterness: turning away from God to find satisfaction in revenge.

(John Piper)

Augustine tells of his account of finding pleasure in God, "How sweet it was for me to be rid of those fruitless joys which I had once feared to lose....You drove them from me, you who are the true, the sovereign joy. You drove them from me and took their place, you who are sweeter than all pleasure, though not of flesh and blood, you who outshine all light, yet are hidden deeper than any secret in our hearts, you who surpass all honor, though not in the eyes of men who see all honor in themselves.... O Lord my God, my Light, my Wealth, and My Salvation." (Confessions)