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The Problem of Pride
Pride might seem like an harmless thing, but that’s its very problem. It can quickly move from satisfaction over an accomplishment, to a means whereby we judge ourselves better than other people.
It is OK to be proud of an accomplishment, of people you know and love, or of something near and dear to your heart—like your school, church, or friends. But if pride drives you to focus on yourself, you lose other perspectives.
Pride can become sinful and dangerous when it becomes the center of how we see and measure ourselves. “I did this.” “I’m a better person than _____.” “People don’t appreciate how important I am.” This kind of thinking not only alienates others, but gives us a false image of ourselves that’s hard to overcome or heal.
The damage that pride can do is threefold:
- First, it keeps us from truly knowing ourselves. Very few people will take the effort to confront us when we’re prideful, and, while in that condition, we’re not likely to be able to help ourselves.
- Second, it’s socially damaging, causing people to avoid us, even dislike us.
- Third, it comes between ourselves and our God. Loving ourselves leaves little room for God’s instructions and blessings.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:15-16