Pride is a sneaky thing.
Unlike other sins that show up boldly and publicly--pride often creeps in quietly. It hides behind compliments, achievements, and even behind good intentions. It whispers, "You deserve the credit", or "You're better than that person". Sometimes it even disguises itself as humility, when in reality, we're still just thinking about ourselves.
In the Bible, pride is not just considered a sin-it's described as one of the deadliest. Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." That verse isn't just poetic. It's a serious warning. Pride separates us from others, but more dangerously, it separates us from God.
Pride isn't just arrogance. It can show up in everyday ways like refusing to ask for help, needing to always be right, holding grudges because we are above forgiveness, comparing ourselves to others (feeling inferior OR superior), and taking credit for things that were truly God's doing. At its core, pride says: "I don't need God. I can handle this myself." That's where it becomes spiritually dangerous.
James 4:6 says, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." That's strong language-opposes. God isn't indifferent to pride. He actively works against it, because it blocks us from living in his grace. Pride builds walls, humility tears them down.
We all wrestle with pride. But by God's grace, we can become more aware of it and start choosing humility. Start by praying for a humble heart. Ask God to search your heart and reveal areas where pride has taken root. Another way that we can choose humility is by serving in secret. Do something for someone else without posting about it or seeking praise. You can also give others credit; celebrate the wins of others without needing to insert yourself. This one is a little hard for me: admit when you're wrong. It's one of the fastest ways to kill pride and build character. Last but definitely not least, spend time in Scripture. Let God's Word realign your heart and remind you who is really in control.
Pride tells us to lift ourselves up, but Jesus taught the opposite: "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:13). True strength in the Kingdom of God is found in surrender, not in self-importance.
Let's be people who walk in humility, give God the glory, and remember that every good thing we have is a gift, not a badge.
Much Love,
Beth
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