To quote another line from an old movie, “We serve hard drinks for hard men that want to get drunk fast.”
I frequented these types of establishments quite often in my youth and was accepted by those in them. Pride flowed just as freely as the drinks, as well as insults and fists at times. These men did not pretend to be polite, if you did not disrespect them, they, most generally, would not disrespect you, but they held back nothing either in those bars and pubs, nor did they do so in their lives.
Hard, difficult and dangerous labor will many times, if it does not break that man, will harden him.
“Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:” (Psalm 95:8)
It has been said of such men whom the Lord has pulled out of this lifestyle that those who have been forgiven much, love much, but it takes much of that man to give up what he may have known his entire life. They are, in their own right, men of war who will not back down, who will stand their ground, men who will stand upon their convictions, but their convictions rest only in their own strength.
I have met such men when they reach an age where their strength has left them, when the ravages of old age has removed from them the abilities they once took for granted, their pride remains, but that is all that is left to them.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)
These have no rest, only memories, and stories that grow as they become smaller in the eyes of the world, useless now except in their minds, cast off by those they once served. Old men simply waiting to die.
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Prov. 16:18)
Pride is never in a hurry my friends, it does not concern itself with the length of your life, it can take its time killing you, and for those who will remain unrepentant, it will be the last straw they gasp at as they take their last breath. All those achievements, all those goals met, all the accolades, rewards of recognition and attained ambitions will be laid in the grave with them, and in time forgotten by all that remain.
“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” (Prov. 10:7)
If you are seeking recognition in your life you can probably find it, enjoy it while it lasts, but know this, when you die, it will die with you.
The love of money is indeed the root of all evil, but that root finds its growth in the soil of pride, for most men, indeed most people, would rather live a destitute life than lose their self-esteem, their vainglory, their pride.
If you have been crucified with Christ that pride should be the first thing to die, but it is usually the last, it is the final door one will keep locked, it is the “I” we hold onto, forsaking everything but self-recognition, self-acceptance, self-love. It is the beast inside of us that must be fed constantly.
You can fight it, but to no avail, even praying diligently for the Lord to remove it, but it will not happen, not in this life. When we who have been born-again are finally glorified, it will be removed, we will not attempt to hold onto it, but until then that part of our flesh, our old nature will buffet you at every possible turn.
Prepare daily for this battle, let your free will serve the will of God daily, become a servant who desires to serve. And each day the Holy Spirit will help you in this.
