April 26, 2008

The Great Wall of Pride

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Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

One of the definitions of pride is a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.¹ Pride causes someone to believe they have everything ‘right,’ while a situation (or things) around them are far from it.

When pride stands in the way, dreams die, relationship crumble, desires remain wants, and people are lacking.

Pride can reach all of us in many different ways. More often, people may be prideful in a particular area or issue. They believe their opinion or stance is right and all others are wrong – no matter what.

Pride keeps someone from saying, I love you, I’m sorry, I was wrong, forgive me, can we start again…

Someone with pride doesn’t want to be viewed as weak or a pushover. So, they would much rather remain keep their position than change themselves. The position they view as strong will only bring them low.

Proverbs 29:23 – A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

One of the definitions of humility is the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank² – the opposite of pride. When someone is prideful in a particular area, they remain unwilling to bend their position. But when they are humble (and flexible), they have an opportunity to achieve their goals, receive their desires, restore relationships, and live in a manner pleasing to the Lord.

Before you dismiss this entry as being for someone else, take a moment to inventory the areas that have been ‘strained’ in your life. Ask the Lord to reveal any areas of pride that may be hindering reconciliation, a goal to be achieved, or a desire to be fulfilled.