In Jeremiah chapter 13, Jeremiah used a vivid object lesson to get the point across to the people. God had Jeremiah purchase and wear a linen belt, then put that linen belt in a crevice in the rocks, and Jeremiah had to return later to get the belt. When God instructed him to go back and remove the linen belt, he found the belt was destroyed. A linen belt was one of the more intimate pieces of clothing, clinging close to the body. It was like underwear. This signified how God would ruin Judah who was once close to him. 

Although the people had once been close to God, their pride had made them useless. They were now useless because pride rotten our hearts. It took God to humble me to realize that although I was doing all the right things outwardly, my heart was rotting. My loyalties or inner vows that I made to myself in seasons of my life when I was surviving and doing life without God were now causing me to be arrogant in this new season. I began to look down on people who were steps behind me in the process of progress. I was selfish with my resources. I wanted to be in control and force my solution on others’ problems. I even began to think that God was blessing me because of my merits, works, or deeds. I felt entitled. Finally, I was also content with my plan rather than seeking God’s. I sought God for him to see my plans through. 

15 Listen and pay attention! Do not be arrogant, for the Lord has spoken. 16 Give glory to the Lord your God before it is too late. Acknowledge him before he brings darkness upon you, causing you to stumble and fall on the darkening mountains. For then, when you look for light, you will find only terrible darkness and gloom.

The people had become so accustomed to doing evil that they had lost their ability to change. God never rejects those who sincerely turn to him. God is warning them and us to repent before it becomes impossible to change. Our attitudes and patterns for living become so set that we lose all desire to change and will no longer fear consequences. We must never put off until tomorrow those changes God wants us to make. What areas of your life are you prideful about?