THE UNFINISHED STORY: PRIDE OR GRACE?
Rashawn Nance
Today’s Scripture: “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” James 4:6, ESV
Theme: God is faithful to support and elevate the humble heart, but He rejects the proud.
THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN PRIDE AND HUMILITY
It’s wild how easy it is to slip into pride—even when we know better. Sometimes I catch myself wanting credit, or thinking I can handle everything on my own. Whether it’s running the business, leading my family, or just trying to make it through the week, my default is often to rely on my own strength. But life has a way of reminding me who’s really in control. When I try to do it all myself, things get heavy...fast.
Pride puts distance between us and God, building walls where there should be trust. But humility? Humility draws us close to His heart. It’s in those moments—when I admit I need help, when I let go of the need to be right or to be seen—that I feel God’s presence the most. He’s not looking for perfection; He’s looking for a willing, humble heart.
SIMON’S CROSSROADS
Simon the Magician’s story in Acts 8 always sticks with me. Here’s a guy who had influence, recognition, and a taste of spiritual power—but he wanted more for himself. When he saw the real thing, the power of the Holy Spirit, he tried to buy it. Peter calls him out, and Simon is faced with a choice: stay proud or humble himself and ask for help. He chooses to ask the disciples to pray for him, but the Bible doesn’t tell us how his story ends. Did he stay proud and miss out on grace, or did he truly humble himself and find freedom? That uncertainty is real for all of us. Every day, we’re at a crossroads: do we cling to our pride, or do we humble ourselves and let God work in us? Sometimes I see myself in Simon, torn between wanting control and truly surrendering.
GRACE FOR THE HUMBLE
I mess up—often. There are days I get it wrong, let my ego get in the way, or forget to lean on God. I’ve said things I shouldn’t, tried to fix things in my own strength, and sometimes just flat-out failed. But every time that I come back with a humble heart, there’s more grace waiting. God isn’t keeping score or waiting for me to finally get it all right. He’s ready to give more grace, every single time I turn back to Him. He doesn’t expect perfection—He wants honesty, a willingness to admit when I’m wrong, and the courage to start again. That’s where real strength comes from: not from never falling, but from getting up, humbling myself, and letting God’s grace carry me forward. That’s the story I want to live—one where grace wins, again and again.
Make It Personal: I’ll be honest—humility doesn’t always come easy for me. In business and in life, I want to be seen as capable and strong. But God keeps showing me that the real win is letting go of pride and letting Him lead. When I do, things fall into place in ways I never could have planned. If you’re wrestling with pride today, you’re not alone. God’s grace is bigger than your struggle.
Pray: Father, thank You for Your endless grace. Help me to lay down my pride and choose humility, even when it’s uncomfortable. Remind me that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Give me a heart that’s quick to repent and slow to boast. I want to follow You fully and trust that You’ll lift me up in Your time. Amen.
Read: Matthew 18:1-4
Weekly Memory Verse: “Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.” 1 Chronicles 29:12, ESV