The Pride of Lineage: A Warning Against Spiritual Pride
What is the pride of lineage? It is the feeling and belief that one comes from a line of special or superior people.
Perceived Safety in Ancestry
John the Baptist perceived the hearts of the Pharisees and Sadducees when they came to be baptised. He knew they believed they were safe because they were descendants of Abraham. But they did not have repentant hearts. Their lifestyle did not reflect the repentance necessary for water baptism (Matthew 3:7-10).
Many make spiritual decisions based on carnal thinking and feelings rather than true repentance — a genuine turning away from sin towards God. Water baptism is only for those who truly repent.
The End of Spiritual Pride
What is the end of those who live in the pride of their lineage? It is hell. John the Baptist warns us clearly in Matthew 3:10-12.
In John 8:39, the Jews declared Abraham as their father to Jesus. Jesus rebuked them, saying their father was the devil because they sought to kill Him. They claimed to love Abraham yet hated Jesus. Only those in Christ are true descendants of Abraham.
The pride of lineage produces a murderous spirit. It breeds anger and hostility when one feels offended. Today, many believers unknowingly give room to this spirit in their hearts.
Spiritual Pride in the Modern Church
Many modern believers do not recognise the pride of lineage in themselves. Most are unaware that it operates similarly to the pride of association and exclusivity. Here is how it sounds:
"I served that great pastor when I first joined the ministry."
"I am closely related to the chief pastor."
"My batch from school, college, or ministry is very different from the rest."
"I belong to such and such church or denomination."
"I have family members in ministry."
"My grandfather and father donated generously to the church during difficult times."
Such spirits working in believers cause divisions in the church. Yet God, in His faithfulness, separates the proud from those who are truly His.
Christ Is Our Lineage
Let all our boasting be in what Christ did for us on the cross. Christ is our lineage.
Paul the Apostle had much to boast about, yet he withdrew himself from such boasting and rejoiced in Christ alone (Philippians 3:7-8). Let us learn to do the same.
Maranatha, Praise God, and Amen.
