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Problems
With Pride
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Selfishness is at the base of
all sin. The desire to satisfy self, glorify self, excuse self is what
precipitates sin. And the most graphic illustration of such selfishness is
seen in the inordinate love of ones own person, just simple pride. It
encroaches into all human relationships. It wreaks havoc with everything
it touches and causes needless destruction in every area of life. Pride
respects no age group and had no economic barriers; it crosses all racial
lines. It knows no limit in its desire to capture and subdue its prey. It
may lie dormant in a person for years then rise to strike with such
ferocity and savage fierceness as to completely overwhelm that person.
Pride is z prime adversary, a constant, never-ceasing enemy.
Now some pride is necessary—and important. Without an amount of self- esteem—legitimate pride, if you please—we would likely not take care to make ourselves presentable, or even practice personal hygiene. Without self-respect we would not likely educate ourselves, or be good citizens, or do lots of other things that are necessary to good and appropriate social relationships. And we certainly would exercise little personal discipline or practice any moral code in the absence of some amount of legitimate self-regard. The Lord’s command in Matthew 22:37 which says “thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” is based to some extent on that legitimate self-care. And the so called Golden Rule loses its sense when there is no self-care. It says, “as ye would that others do unto you, do ye even also unto them” (Luke 6:31). That pre-supposes that we want what is best for ourselves. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But excessive or inordinate pride is opposed to our best interests. Such pride quickly degenerates into egotism, arrogance, conceit, and pomposity. Too much pride militates against meekness and self control. Self-importance turns to vainglory and smugness. “A man’s pride shall bring him low,” said the wise man (Prov. 29:23). And did he not also say that “pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18)? This kind of pride likes nothing better than unrestrained independence. It is the chief enemy of humility, the first danger to meekness, and it’s behind many, if not most, of man’s problems—both large and small. Here are three prominent areas where the monster pride plays its various roles. Self-justification. Here is one of the more prominent results of excessive pride. The person who is lifted up by his own self-importance just can’t bow down enough to admit to wrong. He is quick to find ways to excuse his conduct when some sin or imperfection is called to his attention. He will not admit to the wrong—his pride won’t let him. He shifts the blame. It’s someone else’s fault. There were extenuating circumstances; certainly he is not at fault. It’s easier for him to excuse his conduct than to correct it, for to correct it he must first admit that he’s wrong. Wrong? Are you kidding? Self-complacency. Another product of inordinate self-care. A person’s lack of involvement in a project is very often the result of his feelings of superiority. Without admitting it (sometimes even to himself), this person elevates himself above his fellows, allowing them to take care of the project while he stands by, pretending to be a part, and relishes in his own self-worth. Oh, he wants credit for being part; but he just hangs around near enough to make it appear he’s involved. In reality, he has no intention of getting involved. He wants the credit without the work. And when a fellow tells you, “I don’t have to,” you may rest assured that he has elevated himself above the assignment. Self-righteousness. Perhaps the most subtle use of pride, self- righteousness finds ways to make it appear to be legitimate concern for truth and piety when, in reality, it’s main concern is for the self-aggrandizement which comes from appearing to be religious. Self-righteousness seldom has much to do with the small stuff in religion, the everyday matters that nobody notices. Self-righteousness has to be involved with the big stuff, the public stuff, the stuff that draws attention. Actually what self-righteousness is is excessive pride, not religion. A truly religious person has no reason for self-elevation; he only has a place for humility. He has no reason for self-acclaim for he is no more than a forgiven sinner. He has no reason to make himself better than others, for he was others just a little while ago. The answer to pride? Humility. How does it come? Well, you just decide that without God you’re nothing and it comes right along. You just realize that when you’re divorced from the forgiveness that is in Christ, you have no worth at all. The person with this kind of disposition comes to see authority as his friend, restraint as his associate, and self- effacement as his constant companion. The easiest way I know to become humble is to compare yourself to the Savior. That’ll do it. Every time. Copyright (C) 2002-2004 Southside Church of Christ |
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Comments or Questions to: Dee Bowman 2229 W. Clare Deer Park, TX 77536 |
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