Message Library

The Danger of Pride

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But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."

James 4:6

A general definition of pride is putting our wills over God’s will. This is the spiritual battle that we all face, my will verses God’s will. A Godly person will fight this battle seeking to do God’s will, while a prideful person will seek to justify their own will. We will describe four characteristics that often appear in a prideful person.

Living for Self

We may find pride in our lives times when we are living for self instead of living for God. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3:23-24) We exist to live for Christ by reflecting Christ in all circumstances. We are being prideful when we live for self, not following the Spirit. Living in the Spirit is living to reflect Christ-like behavior and seeking every opportunity to point people toward Christ. If we are not doing this, are we being prideful? We either live for God or we live for self. This is the spiritual battle we fight every day.

Self-Sufficiency

Prideful people tend to justify their choices, being confident they are right. They feel good about their accomplishments with little or no thanks to God.   Many self-sufficient, successful people will tell you, “what do I need God for?” or “what will God do for me?” or “I don’t need a crutch.” There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Complaining

Sometimes prideful people complain more than the average Christian. The closer we are to the Lord and the more we become Christ-like servants, the less we complain. Complaining results when life is not agreeing with us, and how often does life not agree with us? There are many things Satan will tempt us to complain about, and he does this because he doesn’t want us to have a thankful heart to our Lord. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. (Philippians 2:14-15)

Defensive

Prideful people are often sure they are right, and may become defensive if someone disagrees. A Christian is always searching for the truth, or the best solution to a problem. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23)

If you can identify with any of the above, then Satan is trying to sneak pride into your life.

We overcome pride by being humble; by being a secure and confident person in Christ. A humble person in Christ is more concerned about serving God and being a light for Christ in this world. A humble person glorifies God and not himself.

Today be aware of your words and actions so they do not reflect pride to others. View your thoughts, words, and actions from God’s perspective, not your own perspective. Seek to see yourself as God sees you.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to be humble and not prideful, putting Christ first and not putting myself first. Help me to see myself as you see me. Help me to overcome any pride in my life. In Jesus name. Amen