““The sin of Judah is inscribed with an iron chisel— engraved with a diamond point on their stony hearts and on the corners of their altars. Even their children go to worship at their pagan altars and Asherah poles, beneath every green tree and on every high hill.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:1-2‬

In these verses God describes the sin of his people against him. The sin he describes is chiseled into the alters of their hearts with a diamond point. That implies a very deep engraving by the people. A permanent mark against them.

We aren’t told exactly what the sin is but if you are familiar with the nation of Israel they were continually going against God. They continually wanted to go their own way. They sought the pleasures and comforts of society rather than the holiness of God.

I think we could sum up the sin of Israel with one word and that word is pride. Pride tells us that we’re better than other people. Pride tells us that we are the victim. Pride tells us that revenge is the best strategy and grace should never be considered. Pride tells us our rights should be placed above everyone else’s.

Pride is the one thing that Jesus constantly reprimanded his disciples for. Jesus says in the Gospels that he did not come to be served but to serve. Those who are full of pride can never be servants because they see themselves as superior to others.

As believers in Jesus we need to ask that our pride be forgiven and our focus be on others and not on ourselves. In that way we will glorify God, live in peace with others and spread the love and grace of Jesus to others.