Pride: The Root of All Sin

As we step into the month of June—a time our culture has designated as "Pride Month"—it's essential for us as believers to pause, reflect, and align our hearts with the truth of God's Word. This isn’t about taking sides in politics or attacking individuals. It’s about standing on the Word with grace and truth.

Pride was the very first sin. It was pride that led Lucifer to rebel against God. Isaiah 14:13-14 (LSB) gives us a glimpse into his heart:

“But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God… I will make myself like the Most High.’”

That “I will” mentality is the essence of pride—elevating self above the authority and holiness of God. And ever since that moment, pride has been the seed from which all other sin grows. Adam and Eve didn’t just eat a piece of fruit—they chose self over submission, autonomy over obedience. That’s pride.

Now fast forward to today. Pride isn’t just accepted in our culture; it’s celebrated. And as Christians, especially in June, we are bombarded with messages telling us that love equals affirmation. But let’s be clear: Love and approval are not the same thing. Jesus dined with sinners, but He never affirmed sin. He told the woman caught in adultery, “Go. From now on sin no more” (John 8:11, LSB).

We must hold the line.

Yes, we must love the LGBTQ community. Deeply. Genuinely. If you’re reading this and you identify as gay, lesbian, transgender, or anything else, you need to know: You are not our enemy. You are a soul made in the image of God, but that image has been distorted because of sin, and only Jesus can bring that image into focus!  And we love you enough to tell you the truth—even if the truth is hard to hear.

But we also must remember this: Pride is not just their issue. It’s ours too. Whenever we elevate our desires, preferences, or identity above God's design, we are guilty of pride. It shows up in heterosexual sin. In fornication. In greed. In gossip. In unforgiveness. In self-righteousness. Pride is a universal cancer.

So what do we do?

We humble ourselves – James 4:6 (LSB) says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” If you want God's favor, start with repentance.

We walk in truth and love – Ephesians 4:15 calls us to speak the truth in love. Not anger. Not compromise. Love.

We point people to Jesus – Only Christ can heal the wounds that sin causes. Only He can transform hearts.

As June unfolds, let’s be a church that refuses to compromise, but also refuses to hate. Let’s be a people who are bold in truth, broken over sin—ours and others'—and burning with love for those who are far from God.

Pride may be the root of all sin, but humility is the beginning of all healing.

In love,

Pastor Jody