Pride kills. 

Again and again in these chapters where God takes on the gods of Egypt, the gods lose, God wins, and Pharaoh refuses to acknowledge the truth. Can’t you see him posing and singing Tom Petty lyrics?

Well, I won’t back down
No, I won’t back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won’t back down
No, I’ll stand my ground
Won’t be turned around
And I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down
Gonna stand my ground
And I won’t back down

(Written by: Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty
Lyrics © Gone Gator Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)

Ultimately, finally, Pharaoh did back down. Then, like Rocky on the mat, he got back up. Then his whole army drowned. So. 

Here is a simple lesson. When God is right, and he always is, align yourself with him. You will win with him. 

When God is right, and he always is, and you oppose him, you will always lose. Don’t be that guy. 

This sounds harsh to those who have somehow come to believe that whatever they want is what God wants for them. What God wants for us is better than what we want for ourselves. Always. 

Television and movies tell us the highest goal in life is to be happy. This is a false narrative. We work for the weekend and discover it does not satisfy us ultimately. Nothing we try outside of God’s good gifts and his perfect purpose can provide true and lasting satisfaction. 

Satan’s favorite lie is, “You can have it your way, any way you want it.” This is partially true. He simply leaves out the consequences inviolably fixed to self-centered actions. 

True and lasting satisfaction comes from a deep and abiding walk with God. Jesus talks about this in John 15. He says in verse 17, “This is my command: Love each other.” Life was never intended to be concentered all in ourselves like a black hole consuming everything into its darkness. 

Life is meant for us to look out not only for our own interests but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). Life’s best is sharing the deep bonds of love that seek the highest good for others. If we want our needs and desires met most fully and completely, we will meet the needs and desires of those we know most closely. 

Pride kills. God’s love gives life meaning and purpose. Choose love. Choose life.

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