We are ALL cruisin'

By now we have all heard of the terrible tragedy that happened a few weeks ago where the cruise ship captain went too close to an island and hit a reef that sunk the ship and has killed almost 20 people, with several still missing.  The reason that captain took that ship so close to the island was pride.  He wanted to show off and honk at his friends.  He thought he knew the waters well, it was a horrific mistake. 

We shake our heads and pray for those still missing and for the families of those who lost their lives.  We say to ourselves, and maybe to others, "How could that man do that?" or "I can't believe he was so irresponsible and selfish" or maybe "He should be in prison for the rest of his life!".  If I am honest I have at least thought some of those things.

But the truth of the matter is we all have the same thing he had - pride.

Obediah 1:3-4
The pride of your heart has deceived you,
   you who live in the clefts of the rock,^[b]
   in your lofty dwelling,
who say in your heart,
   “Who will bring me down to the ground?”
Though you soar aloft like the eagle,
   though your nest is set among the stars,
   from there I will bring you down,
            declares the LORD.

These people thought they were safe from the enemy because of their location.  They had a false sense of pride.  The Lord quickly responds and tells them they are not above Him.

Isaiah 53:6 tells us we, like sheep, have all gone astray - each to his own way.

Our pride may not ever result in a terrible accident like this one.  But if we think that our pride does not affect others, we are very mistaken.  We all have passengers on our ship.  They may be a spouse, children, students, Sunday School class, disciples, neighbors, family members, etc. etc. 

Our pride keeps us from praying with our spouse and children.  It keeps us from giving to the poor, taking care of orphans (any race, gender or disability), praying at the abortion clinic, sharing Jesus with our neighbors, taking a stand for righteousness, being in this world but not of it.

The more time I spend with the Lord, the more I realize my self (pride) is a lot bigger than I think.  He must increase, I must decrease (John 3:30).  That's the bottom line.  If we all live in that, our ship will sail safely (even when the waters are high).

Proverbs 1
 ³² For the simple are killed by their turning away,
   and the complacency of fools destroys them;
³³ but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
   and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

He must increase, I must decrease....