Pride-fool
According to Merriam-Webster, pride is "the quality or state of being proud, as an exaggerated self-esteem, confidence, and satisfaction in oneself" (2023).
Pride has become prevalent in my life as an adult. This entry has been attempted over weeks of pondering my pridefulness, closing my laptop as I *pridefully* avoid the confrontation altogether. Not only has this theme been aggressively circling like the most obnoxious fly at a summer BBQ, but it becomes more apparent as we enter a month intended to celebrate one's self.
Pride lingers in almost every area of my life.
Financially, I don't particularly appreciate accepting assistance or fiscal advice from others. Being entitled to someone through debts or being unable to provide for myself in a situation is a fear I have developed and continued to worry about throughout the years. I have to achieve it all on my own. However, accepting support or help is not equivalent to failure or inadequacy.
Socially, I will battle with criticism and unwarranted opinions, pondering the intention. Refusing to accept feedback or speaking what I believe to be true may lead to bitter defensiveness or passive aggressiveness. I arrogantly assure myself I do not need the expertise or wisdom of those interested in sharing. "Arrogance leads to nothing but strife, but wisdom is gained by those who take advice" (Proverbs 13:10, CSB).
Political pridefulness is one that I believe we all subconsciously hold onto because we assume our opinions, beliefs, and standards are correct and superior to that of others; under any and all circumstances. "Let lying lips that arrogantly speak against the righteous in proud contempt be silenced" (Psalms 31:18, CSB).
Emotionally, I withhold discomfort because I have entertained the idea that it would be weak of me to be empathetic or open to expressing vulnerable feelings. I build walls and barriers for the sake of my emotional security, which ends up being counterproductive. Ultimately, pride has hindered forgiveness and healing. "Anxiety in a person's heart weighs it down" (Proverbs 12:25, CSB).
Spiritually, I claim victories and successes with God's name written all over them. I often do not run to God when I am distressed because I convince myself it is something I can handle or something our God does not want to entertain. "Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you healed me" (Psalm 30:2, CSB).
Even typing these examples makes me realize how the lens of pride distorts our lives.
Being prideful, or arrogant, has withheld the ability to nurture meaningful relationships, learn valuable lessons proposed by generous individuals, or pursue a faith that could move mountains if I'd only surrender. Our ability to be fruitful derives from walking in humility with God (Micah 6:8, CSB).
When we seek the Lord and do not rely on our own understanding or perceived abilities (Proverbs 3:5-6, CSB), we are satisfied with what we have in who Jesus is, rather than focusing on what can be done for us when seeking out our desires (Philippians 4:13, CSB). This authority we have to confidently position ourselves is given to us by God through Jesus, not ourselves. There have been countless situations where I believe I am too good to fulfill a task, experience a trial, or share precious resources when, in hindsight, it was a crucial part of God's plan.
"But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me…So I was rescued from the lion's mouth" (2 Timothy 4:17, CSB).
Like many throughout the Bible, as God blesses us, we begin to falter to our flesh; we accredit blessings and redemption as our own works. Perhaps this is why some (all of us, to be frank) feel frustrated in our relationships with our Creator: we unknowingly worship ourselves based on accomplishments or timelines we feel entitled to. What does a prideful, self-seeking mindset do? It contaminates us (Mark 7:21-23, CSB).
"It was through pride that the devil became the devil. Pride leads to every other vice; it is the complete anti-God state of mind" (C.S. Lewis, 2001).
Pride has been a thief of peace and joy across all areas of life. It's distracting and destructive. Society is in a race to collect value on everchanging criteria, which is confusing when striving to adhere simultaneously to God's plan for our lives. Therefore, it is essential to view ourselves as God does; humbly reminding ourselves that we exist as precious and honored (Isaiah 43:4, CSB), a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9, CSB), a holy temple (1 Corinthians 3:16, CSB), and children of light that have been set free of our transgressions (1 Thessalonians 5:5, Galatians 5:1, CSB) because of Jesus, and not by our own doing.
"When you eat and are full, and build beautiful houses to live in, and your herds and flocks grow large, and your silver and gold multiply, and everything else you have increases, be careful that your heart does not become proud and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery" (Deuteronomy 8:12-14, CSB).
All glory to God!
References
Lewis, C. S. (2001). Mere Christianity. HARPERONE.
Merriam-Webster. (2023). Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/
Myers, R., & Williams, A. B. (2020). She Reads Truth Bible. Holman Bible Publishers.
Shirer, P. (2013). Gideon: Your Weakness. God’s Strength. LifeWay Press.
