May 24 - Pride, Power, and Purpose

MAY 24 - Pride, Power, and Purpose3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:18; Psalms 58; Galatians 5//3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon//________________________________________“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18 (ESV)“Break the teeth in their mouths, O God! Break the jaws of the lions, O Lord!” — Psalm 58:6 (ESV)“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” — Galatians 5:13 (ESV)________________________________________Teen life can feel like a battlefield sometimes. Between school, friendships, social media, and family, it’s easy to let pride sneak in—thinking you have to prove yourself or be “better than” everyone else. Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride can lead to a fall, and Psalm 58 paints a picture of how destructive anger and bitterness can become if we let them take control. But Galatians 5 gives us a better path: freedom in Christ isn’t about showing off, it’s about serving others in love.Imagine freedom as a superpower—it’s tempting to use it for selfish gain or to win arguments. But when we choose humility and let love guide our actions, that “power” builds people up instead of tearing them down. Small choices matter: a kind word, resisting gossip, or stepping in to help someone who’s struggling. These daily decisions shape your character far more than popularity or getting your way.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Check Your Pride: When was the last time pride influenced a choice you made? How might humility change the outcome (Proverbs 16:18)?2. Handle Anger Wisely: How do you respond when someone hurts or provokes you? Could prayer or self-control transform a tense moment (Psalm 58:6)?3. Use Freedom for Good: In what ways can you use your freedom in Christ to serve others rather than satisfy selfish desires (Galatians 5:13)?________________________________________BOTTOM LINETrue freedom comes from humility and love, not pride or self-interest—choose to serve others and grow in Christ.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for the freedom I have in Christ. Help me resist pride and control my anger, choosing humility and love instead. Teach me to use my words and actions to serve others and reflect Your heart every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.