Summary of Pride
Do you ever get in your own way?
Verse of the Day
‘Because of the sinful things they say, because of the evil that is on their lips, let them be captured by their pride, their curses, and their lies.’
Today’s Devotional
Pride is a problem in the human existence for those of us who belong to God. For anyone else, pride is seen as a positive thing. But we are called to live by a different standard.
Over the last several weeks, we have looked at pride from many angles. We’ve done this in order to be able to identify its presence in our lives. We must be able to identify pride because God is very clear in His Word: He does not condone pride.
We have looked at many scriptural warnings against pride. In an effort to be thorough with this important topic, let’s recap some of things the Word tells us about pride.
- Pride keeps me from responding to God.
- Power can be fertile ground for pride to grow.
- A “thorn” to keep me from pride might be God’s kindness to keep me close to Him.
- God keeps His distance from the proud.
- All forms of pride can be very deceptive.
- Pride keeps me self-focused.
- Religious pride is just as dangerous as any other form of pride.
- Pride keeps me from seeking God.
- Pride has symptoms, which include:
- Slander
- Conflict
- Talking too much
- Looking down on others
- Mocking others
- Arrogance
- Gluttony
- Seeking praise
- Boasting
- Focusing on physical appearance
- Impatience
- Inaccurate self evaluation
- Being picky about who I spend time with
- Being a know-it-all
- Thinking I’ve got it all together
- Inflated self-importance
- Unwillingness to help
- Comparing myself to others
- Selfishness
- Desiring to impress others
- Finding security in money
- Not accepting authority
- Focusing on achievement
- Focusing on possessions
That’s a long list. And each one of those symptoms comes for scripture. As I look back over that list, I find that I have work to do. I can’t ask God to remove something if I can’t acknowledge its presence. I can’t confess something that I can’t see. That’s the beauty of studying a topic from scripture. It allows us to become aware of the ways that we might be missing the mark. It gives us clarity and allows us to pray specifically over certain areas of our heart that God needs access to.
According to James 4:6, God ‘gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”’ The last thing I want is for God to oppose me. I’m sure you would agree. So for today, let’s confront the symptoms of pride we each see in our own lives. Let’s be honest with ourselves and with God about where we need His help to remove anything that keeps us from His grace.
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
Where has pride captured you?
Which symptoms of pride do you see in your life?
How can you humbly confess any pride you have to God today?
If you are willing, pray (out loud or in writing) Psalm 139:24, and then read through the list in today’s post again. ‘Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.’