*PRIDE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.*(Series 1) *Scripture Reading:* Proverbs 16:18 *"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall."*(AMP) *"Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall."*(Good News) All glory to God in the highest for His Grace and mercy over our lives. By the grace of God, I will be sharing with you in these series very important topic that has great influence over our lives and if not properly monitored and rebuke, it can leads to destruction. What’s one thing that destroys many relationships, individuals, organizations, ministry and is a thing that God Himself hates? It’s *'PRIDE.'* It is very dangerous to operate in pride. *What is PRIDE?* The Hebrew word for pride is gaon which means exaltation, to "rise up". *Pride is exalting yourself above God and others- placing your focus only on YOU. When you exalt yourself you look down on others.* Pride elevates and exalts itself. Pride is arrogance, presumption, conceit, self-satisfaction, boasting, and high-mindedness. Good News version of today's Scripture says; *"Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall."* I can boldly tell you that the root of all sin is pride. If you look carefully at the word pride, right in the middle is the letter I. *PRIDE focuses on “I”.* It’s the unhealthy obsession with ourselves. It all boils down to self-worship. Pride is what got Lucifer (who was a leader in Heaven, now know as satan)- demoted. He was a prideful leader who was focused on “I”. Isaiah 14:12–14 tells us about “The 5 I-Wills of Lucifer” that got him kicked out of Heaven. *He said “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation. On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High."* Pride has us focused on “I” like Lucifer and it will get us in trouble like it did him. Proverbs 16:18 tells us that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. *If you want to predict your failure see if you’re operating in PRIDE.* To be continue tomorrow morning by God's Grace. Good morning and do have a great day, peace. *Prayer point:* Holy Spirit, deliver me today from the spirit of PRIDE in Jesus Christ name. Amen! T.S. AFOLAYAN