PRIDE

I recently had reason to think about “pride” – from what it is, to what role or place it has or does not have in the Christian’s life.


The general definition for pride is “a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.” The general definition for achievement is “a thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill.” So when we put these two definitions together we get the following:


A deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from something done successfully by one’s own “…effort, courage or skill.”


I think the key to this is that it is tied to the feeling/belief that whatever was accomplished was done so because of your or someone else’s effort. A Christian can quickly see the issue with pride, because it is based on the person. A Christian understands that nothing is achieved without God!


John 15:5 reminds us that we can do nothing without God - “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”


Pride holds so many pitfalls and dangers for the Christian, and God provides many warnings and describes the consequences of pride.
God’s view on pride:


Proverbs 11:2 - "When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom."


Proverbs 26:12 - "Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him."


The consequences of pride:


Proverbs 16:5 - "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished."


I John 2:16 - "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."


Pride is a dangerous thing in a Christian’s life, because it separates you from God, from His blessings and from being able to do His will.


It can be a struggle to resist being prideful, because the world encourages you to think that what you have achieved, you did so by your own efforts and skills. While it can be a struggle, it is one that must be won. If you are struggling with pride, it is important to identify your condition, and then be prayerful to God that He help you root out the pride, and to humble yourself before Him.


Glory To God for All That He Has Done


​Blessings - Janice
Life Transitions Christian Coaching

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