Written and created by the Worship Class
Our generation has often been called the "Me Generation." Wondering why? Well, check out this video out and see:
Pride is something that each and every one of us have experienced and struggled with at some point. All humans are prideful and even though we are writing about it today, we know we're just as guilty as struggling with this as the next person.
Let's start out by defining pride. The definition of pride is: a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
Let's unpack the progression of pride. We have taken bits and pieces out of Mere Christianity, a book by C.S. Lewis. Here, he devotes a whole chapter to the progression of pride and we would like to share some of his quotes:
- "Pleasure in being praised is not pride." Appreciating compliments or affirmation is not the same thing as pride. It becomes a problem when we start to look down on others or the things we are praised for become an obsession.
- “For pride is spiritual cancer. It eats up the very possibility of love or contentment or even common sense.” We think Proverbs 16:18 sums it up best: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
- “A proud man is always looking down on things and people and of course as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.” When we are so focused on the things around us and our own selfish needs, we forget who is in charge and don't look to Him for satisfaction and guidance.
Rather we compare ourselves. Read this quote one more time and really think and take these words to heart: “A proud man is always looking down on things and people and of course as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.” Psalm 10:4 states, “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” When we are being prideful, we leave no room for God because we are only focus on our own selfish needs.
- “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. It is the comparison that makes you proud.” No one is better than another, we are all sinful and deserve judgment. If you think about it, pride is the root of all our sins.
For instance, in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve wanted to have the same knowledge as God. They compared themselves and craved more than what they had. Their sin was caused by a prideful wanting to be better and know more than anyone else. When you reflect back on your sin, most things can be linked to pride.
Now we have recognized our pride but what do we do about it? Well to be honest there is nothing you can do. It is impossible to escape pride. You are trapped in it. It has enveloped your heart.
The only way to change our prideful nature is to look to God. He loves us so much that He gave Jesus, His beloved Son, to die on the cross for our pride and sins. Jesus makes us clean in front of God. The Holy Spirit works in our hearts to change our prideful nature.
He is the only one who can make that change within us; we cannot do it. Therefore, we need to talk with him and read His word. Scripture reminds us of the God who sacrificed for us, loves us, and wants us to shape our lives after Jesus' example. No one can change without God.
So, we encourage you, this week and for the rest of your life to take that time with God. Time spent with God changes everything. Philippians 2:3 says “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” Let’s work on leaning on God, so that His Spirit may change our hearts and that we can be more considerate to others before our own selfish needs.
