Healthcare professionals will sometimes use the phrase “silent killer” to describe certain diseases. A quick Google search describes Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) as the top “silent killer” because it typically causes no obvious symptoms for years while quietly damaging the heart, brain, and kidneys. Environmental healthcare professionals refer to carbon monoxide as the silent killer because it is a completely colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. In both cases these “silent killers” operate undetected and eventually lead to death.

I believe that GOD’s Word strongly warns us about a “silent killer” of our souls. The Bible uses phrases like: “God detests…,” “God will not endure…,” “God opposes…,” “God will pay it back in full…” to warn us of this silent killer’s destructive power. I don’t believe the Holy Spirit inspired these Scripture writers to use this strong language casually. I believe they use it because this silent killer is lethal to our relationship with God and with each other.

I’ve served in pastoral ministry now for over 40 years, and in that time, I’ve had people come to me for problems of depression, anxiety, doubt, addictive patterns, lying, and anger mismanagement. I’ve never had somebody ask for an appointment so they could talk about their battle with pride—which is but one reason I’m convinced it is the “silent killer of our souls”! If you think me wrong on this, I’d challenge you to go to any self-help section in any bookstore and compare the number of books you find on developing humility to all the other topics.

In our ongoing journey through the book of Daniel, we’ll see just how destructive pride can be and what measures we can take to avoid becoming a victim of this silent killer. Plan to join us as we as individuals, and as a community, declare war on pride!

Pastor Joe Still