Choose This Day: Following Christ as a Military OperatorSample

The Warrior’s Fall – Pride and Ego

Samson was chosen by God, set apart from birth, and empowered with supernatural strength. But over time, he began to believe the strength was his. He ignored warnings, compromised his calling, and revealed the secret of his power. When his hair was cut, his strength left him—and so did the Lord. Samson’s downfall wasn’t physical—it was spiritual. Pride blinded him long before the Philistines did.

In the military, confidence is essential. We’re trained to lead, perform, and project strength. But pride doesn’t always look like arrogance. Sometimes it shows up as insecurity, self-deprecation, or the need to prove ourselves. Whether we think too highly of ourselves or too lowly, the focus is still on us. Both are forms of ego that keep us from resting in who God says we are.

Jesus is the true and better warrior. Though He had all authority, He humbled Himself—taking the form of a servant, obedient even to death on a cross. His strength was never self-centered—it was surrendered. He invites us to lay down both our pride and our insecurity and find identity in Him.

Application:
Pride isolates us from grace—whether it looks like arrogance or insecurity. Let Jesus reshape your identity, not around your performance, but around His humility. True strength is found in surrender.

Reflection:
Where might pride—or insecurity—be creeping into your decisions or identity?