March 22, Friday ~ Giving Up Pride

Giving Up Pride

Psalm 51:17

Micah 6:6-8

Matthew 23:1-12

Today, we are giving up pride. The Collins dictionary lists the following synonyms for pride: “vanity, superiority, arrogance, disdain, presumption, conceit, pomposity, pretentiousness, snobbishness, haughtiness, superciliousness.” If you are prideful, you might also be self-centered, egocentric, egotistical, narcissistic, boastful, or bumptious. That is quite the list!

Let’s look at the opposite of pride. The Bible says that the opposite of pride is humility. You can see that in many of the psalms. The psalmists knew that the best, most pleasing way to approach the Lord God was with a contrite heart, in meekness and obedience to God.

Humility is central to the teachings of Jesus. It holds in its meaning an understanding that includes respecting self and others. Practicing humility means that you put other’s needs before your own. In the biblical understanding of humility, there is no room for being selfish, holding grudges, or pushing people aside for your own personal gains. Colossians 3:12-13 reminds us that “as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

But is pride all bad? Aren’t we told very early on to take pride in our work, our appearance, and our family? According to psychology professor David DeSteno, the right amount of pride can be useful. His research suggests that “pride nudges the mind to value the future. So perhaps pride doesn’t precede a fall; instead, it fosters diligence and dedication.” I especially appreciate the final conclusion from his research. “For pride to work (in a positive way), it must be paired with humility — a humility to know that no matter our skill set, each of us depends on what others have to offer.”

So, pride can only be good when it is centered on a core of humility and selflessness. Ressler says, “In the end, humility puts us in a place to receive God’s abundant grace.” (p. 112) Isn’t that worth everything?