Pride (Part 1)
“My Mom knows what I'm
thinking?” This was the surprised response of a 6 year old boy
named Alex after I exhorted him to listen to his mother because she
knows what is best for him. At first his response didn't make sense
to me. Why would he say that? Then it dawned on me... Alex is
convinced that he knows what is best for himself so the only way his
Mom could know this is that she can read his mind! I laughed when I
realized what he meant and when on to explain that no, she isn't a
mind reader but rather a person with experience that has given her
wisdom. Then we continued on with our visit.
But his comment has stuck in my mind. Why? I think it is because through the innocent unfiltered words of a child, I saw what lurks in my soul, our souls – the belief that only we know what is best for us. And what is the problem with that? It is pride. The kind of pride that hurts our relationship with God because we judge Him for not doing things according to what we “know” would be best. The kind of pride keeps us from living in humble dependence on the Lord because we are set on depending on ourselves. The kind of pride that consumes our inner world as we plot our successes or harshly criticizes our failures. The kind of pride that..... (you fill in the blank).
Pride is everyone's struggle. Some more, some less. Sometimes it is very obvious, others times very subtle. The kind of pride I'm talking about is not the pleasure in a job well done. This is very normal and natural (see Galatians 6:4). Nor it is the sense of one's proper value, having healthy self-respect. No, it is the pride that thinks it is better than others and therefore expects more of and for oneself. It is the kind of pride that Lizzie accused Mr. Darcy of having. (Can you guess which 1995 A&E mini-series I've been watching this week?!)
I am in a season of my life where I am trying to understand my expectations a little more. They seem to be the cause of much of the angst in my life. Well, not the expectations but the dashing of them! Alex's little comment has been helpful to me because it exposes something in me that I want Christ to transform. I want to repent of my pride and trust that God knows what is best for me.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
even when I can't see or understand His ways
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8
I am firmly convinced that pride is a detriment in my life as
“God opposes the proud...” James 4:6b
but I am still learning what pride really is and opening myself up to the wonder of humility.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will life you up.” James 4:10
I hope you find some encouragement from these thoughts and Scriptures. More to come next week. In the meantime, I'd love to hear your insights on what pride is and how to deal with it.
peace and grace in Christ,
Tracy
But his comment has stuck in my mind. Why? I think it is because through the innocent unfiltered words of a child, I saw what lurks in my soul, our souls – the belief that only we know what is best for us. And what is the problem with that? It is pride. The kind of pride that hurts our relationship with God because we judge Him for not doing things according to what we “know” would be best. The kind of pride keeps us from living in humble dependence on the Lord because we are set on depending on ourselves. The kind of pride that consumes our inner world as we plot our successes or harshly criticizes our failures. The kind of pride that..... (you fill in the blank).
Pride is everyone's struggle. Some more, some less. Sometimes it is very obvious, others times very subtle. The kind of pride I'm talking about is not the pleasure in a job well done. This is very normal and natural (see Galatians 6:4). Nor it is the sense of one's proper value, having healthy self-respect. No, it is the pride that thinks it is better than others and therefore expects more of and for oneself. It is the kind of pride that Lizzie accused Mr. Darcy of having. (Can you guess which 1995 A&E mini-series I've been watching this week?!)
I am in a season of my life where I am trying to understand my expectations a little more. They seem to be the cause of much of the angst in my life. Well, not the expectations but the dashing of them! Alex's little comment has been helpful to me because it exposes something in me that I want Christ to transform. I want to repent of my pride and trust that God knows what is best for me.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
even when I can't see or understand His ways
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8
I am firmly convinced that pride is a detriment in my life as
“God opposes the proud...” James 4:6b
but I am still learning what pride really is and opening myself up to the wonder of humility.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will life you up.” James 4:10
I hope you find some encouragement from these thoughts and Scriptures. More to come next week. In the meantime, I'd love to hear your insights on what pride is and how to deal with it.
peace and grace in Christ,
Tracy
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