Protect me from my Own Pride

My Armor is Truth, Righteousness, Grace and Humility.

Via The Joshua Commission

Oh Lord, I am not worthy that thou should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. O Lord, may we not be proud minded, but to make progress by pleasing humility, that despising what is evil, we may exercise with free charity the things which are right. Through Christ our Lord. Lord Jesus Christ, take away all my freedoms, my memory, and my will. all that I have and cherish Thou hast given me. I surrender it all to be guided by thy will. Thy grace and thy love are wealth enough for me. Give me these Lord Jesus and I ask for nothing more. Amen. / St. Ignatius of Loyola

Actually my armor is what Paul shared in Ephesians 6: 13-18. There it lists what we put on, and take with us as armor. that list already includes truth and righteousness. Did Paul miss grace - no, never take verses alone but finish the chapter.  And humility - actually the entire letter is written that we respond to Christ’s love by trusting in Him, His purpose becomes our mission. Have we committed ourselves to fulfilling God’s purpose? 

Our will, can be the most dangerous thing to ourselves and others, it is what can lead us to hell. Yet God gave us free will, and here is the catch: it must not become our will but as Jesus himself prayed to His Father “Thy will”.

There is no simple list of words, or a single prayer spoken that can protect us from our own will, which is our pride, thinking we know better than God. Humility is what we must seek - that God’s will becomes our purposeful action’s, thoughts and desires. 

Humility is not armor, it’s a base layer we put on and wear every waking moment. Without it we will wield all the spiritual weapons. Humility requires your constant attention- constantly discerning God’s will. Be careful as thinking you have acquired humility is the exact opposite and becomes pride. 

Suggestion - spend some time studying the lives of old saints - Paul enforced this in Ephesians 6. Modern religion neglects thousands of years of faithful saints that were not worried about social media likes, but understanding and reflecting the humility of Christ and His obedience to the Father’s will. 

THE KINGDOM MAN’S CREED

I am a Kingdom Man. I am created by God to bear His image. I am a son and viceroy for my Fathers work. I am a warrior, lover, teacher and king.

I am a Kingdom Man. Like Joshua, I will be strong and courageous. I will train my mind and body for the battles to come. I will discipline my heart, eyes and tongue to be steadfast and faithful to the calling on my life.

I am a Kingdom Man. If a husband, I love and serve my wife, if a father, a loving father to my children. I will love and lead them as Christ loves the Church. If a brother, uncle, guardian, mentor or friend, I will give honor in all of my relationships. I will lead, teach, correct and train in the spirit of righteousness.

I am a Kingdom Man. I am called to break down barriers and free others from strongholds. I am a Peace Maker. My armor is Truth, Righteousness, Grace and Humility. I will stand in the gap for my neighbor to defend gospel justice for the marginalized. 

I am a Kingdom Man. God is my provider. He has given me gifts and talents to exemplify Him with the work of my hands. I will work with diligence and excellence. My labor will be honest and its fruits purposeful.

I am a Kingdom Man with a Kingdom vision. Commissioned by Christ. My life is the Father’s. I am intentional. I will grow in my faith, be consistent in my actions and leave a legacy worthy of the race I have run.

I AM a Kingdom Man!