Pride

Proverbs 11: 2

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble.”

We have all heard people say something like, “He should take pride in himself” , or “Take pride in your work.”  Pride, used in this way, is a positive thing.  

But, pride can become destructive if we are not careful, and can interfere with our spiritual lives.  Pride destroys our humility.  In order to approach God, we have to be humble in heart, not just in words.  

Pride causes us to see ourselves as better than others.  We lose empathy for others and our desire to help others in need suffers.  

With prideful hearts we ignore, deny, or are ignorant of our sins.  In this state we do not ask for forgiveness and our relationship with God is broken.

Pride causes us to put our hope in the things of this world instead of the things of God. And when we do that, we lose sight of God altogether.

Pray for a humble heart.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10)

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)