Faith – Page 2 – Wearing Jesus

Pride is one of the most dangerous traps we can fall into—whether it's pride in our worldly achievements or spiritual pride, thinking we are more righteous than others. It blinds us to our own shortcomings and distances us from God's grace. When we place our confidence in our own abilities or believe that our spiritual standing makes us superior to others, we lose sight of the humility God calls us to walk in. The Bible warns us time and again of the consequences of pride. As Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) says, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Pride can subtly infiltrate a proud heart when we compare ourselves to who we once were. In doing so, we may begin to view our spiritual growth through our own eyes, forgetting the depth of what God has rescued us from. Yet, it is the fear of the Lord that keeps us grounded, humbling a proud heart and reminding us that our progress is solely by His grace. Without this reverence, we risk losing sight of the life we would have had without Christ Jesus, the one who renews and transforms us completely. Spiritual pride is particularly deceptive. We may begin to think that our relationship with God makes us better than those around us who struggle with sin. This pride of your power can lead us to pity others, forgetting that it is only by God's grace that we are saved. It is crucial to remember that salvation comes not from anything we do, but from God’s grace alone. As you reflect on the role pride may play in your life, consider the following Bible verses and how they speak to the need for humility and dependence on God. What Is Spiritual Pride and Earthly Ego? Spiritual pride and earthly ego are subtle dangers that can creep into our hearts without us even realizing it. These forms of pride manifest in different ways. Spiritual pride may arise when we feel superior because of our relationship with God, while earthly ego can occur when we define our worth by our achievements, status, or successes. Both types of pride distort our view of who we are in Christ and who God calls us to be. If left unchecked, spiritual pride and earthly ego can cause significant spiritual and relational damage, for pride is something the Lord hates (Proverbs 8:13), and it can separate us from His purpose. Spiritual Pride: A False Sense of Superiority Spiritual pride is particularly dangerous because it often goes unnoticed. It appears when we start to believe that our relationship with God makes us better or more righteous than others. This leads to judgmental attitudes, where we look down on those who struggle with sin or assume we are spiritually superior. Romans 12:3 (NIV) reminds us, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that any progress in our spiritual journey is due to God’s grace, not our own efforts. The lust of the flesh can sometimes creep into our spiritual lives, making us feel entitled to God’s favor or the admiration of others. We might start to believe that our faithful service or knowledge of Scripture makes us superior. However, Galatians 5:16 (NIV) instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Spiritual pride disguises itself as righteousness, but it distances us from true humility and dependence on God. Proverbs 16:5 (NIV) warns, "The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished." Earthly Ego: Defining Ourselves by Success Earthly ego is just as harmful as spiritual pride. When we place our identity in our worldly achievements—whether through our career, wealth, or recognition—we lose sight of the truth that our worth comes from God alone. This type of pride is often driven by selfish ambition, as we seek success and approval from others rather than seeking God’s approval. James 3:16 (NIV) warns us, "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." The evil way of pride leads us away from God’s path and can result in many evil things that damage our spiritual and relational lives, drawing us further from the humility and grace God calls us to. The Bible also warns us about the dangers of valuing material success. 1 John 2:16 (NIV) says, "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." When we allow the lust of the eyes to drive our desires, we begin to chase after material success and status rather than focusing on God’s plan for our lives. Like the Israelites hiding in the clefts of the rock, we may seek safety in our achievements, but these things are temporary and cannot provide the true security that comes from God alone. The Root Problem: Self-Reliance Over God-Dependence At the heart of both spiritual pride and earthly ego is the same issue: self-reliance. When we start to believe that we can handle life on our own—whether through our spiritual works or worldly accomplishments—we place ourselves in the role of God. This leads to evil thoughts, where we see others as inferior and ignore our own shortcomings. Philippians 2:3 (NIV) instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Humility calls us to recognize our need for God’s grace and to place others before ourselves. In the end, both spiritual pride and earthly ego leave us disconnected from God. We may think we are succeeding because of our achievements or spiritual standing, but without a humble heart that depends on God, we are only fooling ourselves. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." True humility involves surrendering our pride and placing our complete trust in God’s grace. The Harmful Effects of Pride Pride is a dangerous force that has a deep impact on both our relationship with God and our interactions with others. Whether it’s spiritual pride or earthly ego, pride can blind us to the truth, harden our hearts, and lead us down a path of destruction. The Bible warns repeatedly about the consequences of allowing pride to take root in our lives. Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) reminds us, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." When pride fills our hearts, it separates us from God, creating division in our relationships and even deceiving us into thinking we are self-sufficient. Separation from God One of the most significant effects of pride is that it distances us from God. When we start to rely on our own abilities and achievements, we can forget that everything we have comes from the Lord. We become like those who thought they could ascend to the heavens, like the devil who sought to become like the stars of God. Isaiah 14:13 (NIV) describes the fall of the proud: "You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly.’" Just as pride caused the fall of Lucifer, it causes us to stumble when we attempt to place ourselves above God or believe we can succeed without His guidance. When pride fills our hearts, we also stop seeking God's will and His presence. Instead of relying on Him for direction, we turn inward, thinking our wisdom is sufficient. The more pride grows in us, the more we push God out of our lives. This leads to a spiritual dryness and an inability to hear His voice. Psalm 10:4 (NIV) warns, "In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God." If we allow pride to govern our hearts, we distance ourselves from the King of heaven, missing out on His blessings and guidance. Self-Deception and Spiritual Blindness Another harmful effect of pride is self-deception. Pride blinds us to our own faults and weaknesses, making it difficult for us to see where we need to change or grow. When we are filled with pride, we may convince ourselves that we are right in all things, failing to see how far we’ve strayed from God’s will. The words from our own mouth may begin to justify actions that are contrary to God’s plan for us. James 3:5 (NIV) says, "Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." The pride we express through our words can deceive us into thinking we are on the right path, when in reality we are moving further from God’s truth. The Destructive Power of Pride in Speech Pride often finds its way into our hearts through our speech. The words of their lips can reveal the pride lurking within, as we boast about our accomplishments or judge others harshly. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) tells us, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." When pride governs our words, it has the power to tear down relationships, harm others, and create lasting damage. What we say has profound implications, not only for our relationships but also for our spiritual lives. Matthew 12:36-37 (NIV) warns, "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." In moments of pride, we often speak without considering the consequences of our words. We might speak from a place of arrogance, believing that our opinion is the only correct one, or we might put others down to elevate ourselves. This kind of speech reflects the pride in our hearts and separates us from the humility that God desires. And just as pride can manifest in careless words, it can also lead to sinful behaviors, like sexual immorality, when we follow our own desires instead of God’s will. Instead of boasting about ourselves, let the wise man boast in knowing and understanding the Lord (Jeremiah 9:24), seeking His wisdom over our prideful impulses. Overcoming Pride and Ego Overcoming spiritual pride and earthly ego requires humility, self-awareness, and reliance on God’s grace. Both types of pride, whether tied to our spiritual standing or our worldly accomplishments, are difficult to recognize and even harder to uproot. The Bible teaches us that pride leads to separation from God and brokenness in our lives. As the Son of Man came in humility, we are called to follow His example. Man’s pride leads him astray, and even a rich man boast in his wealth is fleeting and empty. However, humility before God can restore us to the path of righteousness and true fulfillment. Speaking with Humility and Guarding Against Prideful Speech Pride often reveals itself in our words. The sin of their mouth can be a reflection of the pride of your heart. Harsh words, boasting, or cutting down others are all signs of prideful speech. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Speaking with humility involves recognizing the impact of our words and ensuring that they are rooted in kindness and truth. Prideful speech not only harms others but also blinds us to our own need for growth and repentance. When we boast or elevate ourselves with our words, we miss the opportunity to be corrected and to grow in Christlikeness. Proverbs reminds us that the hatred of evil begins with the fear of the Lord, and prideful speech is among the very things God detests. Instead of using our speech for self-promotion, we should align it with the will of God, using our words to encourage others and glorify Him. Colossians 4:6 (NIV) instructs, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Biblical Examples of Humility and Pride The Bible provides powerful examples of both humility and pride, showing us how these attitudes can either bring us closer to God or lead to our downfall. As we reflect on these stories, we can learn valuable lessons about the importance of a humble spirit and the dangers of a proud look. The Bible is clear that those who embrace humility will be honored by God, while those who allow pride to dominate their hearts will ultimately fall. The Inhabitants of Jerusalem and Their Fall One of the clearest examples of pride leading to destruction is found in the story of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Despite repeated warnings from prophets, the people of Jerusalem refused to humble themselves before God. They allowed pride to harden their hearts, thinking that their status as God's chosen people would protect them from consequences. Instead of repenting and turning back to God, they relied on their own strength and wisdom. Jeremiah 13:9 (NIV) says, "This is what the Lord says: ‘In the same way I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem.’" The inhabitants of Jerusalem made the mistake of believing that their position and history made them immune to judgment, but their pride led to their downfall. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how spiritually strong we may think we are, pride can separate us from God and lead to destruction. We must constantly guard against a proud look and cultivate a humble spirit, recognizing our dependence on God for everything. Lessons from Biblical Stories on Pride and Humility Throughout the Bible, we find many examples that illustrate both the dangers of pride and the blessings of humility. These stories provide us with guidance on how we should walk humbly with God and avoid the pitfalls that come from elevating ourselves. As we explore these biblical accounts, we see the contrast between those who fell because of pride and those who were lifted up because of their humility before God. The Downfall of Babylon One of the most significant examples of pride in the Bible is the story of Babylon. The great Babylon represents a symbol of human arrogance and self-sufficiency. The rulers of Babylon, in their pride, believed they had built a kingdom that would last forever. They took credit for their success and refused to acknowledge that God was in control of their destiny. Isaiah 13:19 (NIV) says, "Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the pride and glory of the Babylonians, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah." The pride of his face blinded the rulers of Babylon to their need for repentance. In their arrogance, they believed they were untouchable, but God humbled them. The destruction of Babylon serves as a powerful reminder that pride leads to downfall. When we rely on our own strength and refuse to acknowledge God’s sovereignty, we are setting ourselves up for failure. Just as the haughtiness of men brought Babylon to its knees, pride in our own achievements can lead us down the same path if we are not careful. The Mighty Man Boast: Hezekiah's Test In the days of Hezekiah, we see another example of how pride can creep in and lead to serious consequences. King Hezekiah was a righteous king who followed the ways of the Lord and trusted in Him for deliverance. However, after God healed him from illness and granted him an additional 15 more years of life, Hezekiah’s heart became proud. When envoys from Babylon came to visit, Hezekiah showed them all his treasures and the wealth of his kingdom. This act of pride, where Hezekiah allowed a mighty man boast to take precedence over giving glory to God, resulted in the prophecy that everything he had shown them would one day be taken away by Babylon. 2 Chronicles 32:25 (NIV) says, "But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore, the Lord’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem." Although Hezekiah eventually humbled himself and repented, his initial pride led to consequences for his kingdom. His story illustrates that even the most faithful servants of God can fall into the trap of pride if they are not careful to give credit where it is due—to God alone. It reminds us to resist the temptation to boast in our own strength, as the mighty man boast can lead us away from God’s favor. The Humility of the Tax Collector In contrast to the stories of Babylon and Hezekiah, Jesus gives us a powerful example of humility through the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee. While the Pharisee stood proudly in the temple, thanking God that he was not like other men, the tax collector stood at a distance, unable even to lift his eyes to heaven. In his humility, he prayed, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Luke 18:14 (NIV) concludes with Jesus’ words: "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." This parable shows us the heart of Jesus Christ, who values humility over outward displays of righteousness. The tax collector recognized his unworthiness before God and sought forgiveness, while the Pharisee, full of pride, assumed his spiritual status made him superior. Jesus Christ reminds us that true greatness in the kingdom of God comes not from boasting or self-righteousness, but from humbling ourselves and acknowledging our need for God’s grace. Practical Steps to Cultivate Humility and Overcome Pride Recognizing the dangers of pride and the importance of humility is crucial in our Christian walk, but it’s even more important to take practical steps to address pride in our lives. Whether it’s spiritual pride or earthly ego, we must continually cultivate humility and guard against pride taking root in our hearts. By actively pursuing humility, we can align ourselves more closely with God’s will and experience the peace and growth that come from living in submission to Him. Examine Your Heart Regularly The first step to overcoming pride is to regularly examine your heart. Pride often sneaks in unnoticed, and without self-reflection, it can begin to control our thoughts and actions. Set aside time to ask God to reveal areas where pride may be taking root. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) offers a powerful prayer for self-examination: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." By praying this regularly, we open ourselves to God’s guidance and correction. It takes humility to admit we need help, but this is the foundation of spiritual growth. We must ask ourselves tough questions: Are we relying on our own abilities instead of God? Are we seeking recognition from others rather than giving glory to God? Are we looking down on others in judgment? Through this honest reflection, we can identify the areas where pride is lurking and ask God to help us root it out. Resist the Urge to Compare Yourself to Others Pride often thrives on comparison. Whether it’s comparing our spiritual progress to others or measuring our success by worldly standards, pride grows when we make these comparisons. 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV) warns us against this mindset: "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." Comparison feeds the desires of the eyes—our tendency to want what others have or to feel superior to others based on their struggles. When we resist the urge to compare, we free ourselves from the need to prove our worth through external validation. Instead, we can focus on the path God has laid out for us, trusting that His plan for us is perfect. Watch Your Words: It Reflects An Overflow of the Heart Pride often manifests in the way we speak. The sin of their mouth and the words of their lips can be a reflection of the pride in their hearts. When we boast or speak ill of others, we are revealing the pride that lies beneath the surface. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) reminds us, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." To combat pride, we must watch our words carefully. Speak with humility, choosing words that build others up rather than tearing them down. Avoid boasting, gossip, or harsh judgments, as these are often signs of a prideful heart. Instead, aim to speak life into the lives of those around you, reflecting God’s love and grace through your words. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) encourages us, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." A Prayer for Overcoming Pride & Embracing Humility Heavenly Father, We come before You today with humble hearts, acknowledging that pride can so easily take root in our lives. Too often we have relied on our own strength, sought the approval of others, and allowed the pride of our hearts to distance us from Your grace. Lord, we ask for Your forgiveness and for the strength to walk in humility, just as Your Son, Jesus Christ, showed us through His life of service and love. Father, we pray that You would open our eyes to any areas of pride that still linger in our hearts. Help us to recognize when we are relying on our own power instead of trusting in You. Teach us to let go of our selfish ambitions and to embrace the path You have laid out for us, even when it requires sacrifice and submission. May we always remember that true greatness is found in serving others, and that all we have comes from Your hand. Lord, we ask that You guide our words, that we may speak with humility and love, building others up rather than tearing them down. Help us to be mindful of the sin of our mouths and to reflect Your grace in all that we say and do. Lead us in the way of righteousness, and guard us from the haughty look and the pride that so easily entangles. We thank You for the example of Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself, even to the point of death on a cross. May His example be ever before us, reminding us that in humility, we find true freedom, peace, and strength. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, Lord, that we may walk in step with You each day, seeking Your will above all else. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.