PRIDE & HUMILITY
Here is a question I doubt you ask yourself very often: Does my pride prevail?
Let’s reflect on this question because I hope and desire that you gain a new level of self-awareness through this exploration.
To reflect on this question, we must fully understand what pride entails.
According to 1 Peter 5:5, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
So, the question stands: Do you find yourself in opposition to God, or do you desire to flow in His grace and favor? Can you feel yourself fighting against Him or resisting what He wants you to do? Or are your desires in line with His?
Often, we can't see pride in ourselves, but those around us might. Asking trusted friends if they see pride in us can be enlightening! They may respond with observations we hadn't considered or affirm our humility. Go ahead, read this blog with your Godly friends, and identify any pride that prevails in your life.
Our hope and prayer is to achieve true humility.
To understand pride better, let's look into its six forms: Recognizing these can help us identify and address pride in our lives.
Self-Exaltation - This form of pride gives all credit to oneself. It's essential to acknowledge that our achievements are often the result of collective efforts, and they are for God’s glory, not our own.
Self-Promotion - This is when pride seeks credit or validation from others. While it’s natural to seek encouragement and recognition, it becomes problematic when this is our primary goal.
Self-Justification - Expecting credit from God Himself. This form can be subtle but profound because it assumes that our deeds should inherently earn God’s favor.
Self-Degradation - Tearing oneself down continuously. Though it might seem like humility, constantly speaking negatively about oneself is another form of pride because it still focuses heavily on the self.
Self-Demotion - Comparing oneself to others. Whether we feel superior or inferior, comparison stems from pride because it seeks to determine our worth using the lives of others as a measuring stick. True humility is recognizing our unique worth in God’s eyes without comparison.
Self-Condemnation - Judging oneself harshly. Constant self-criticism reflects pride because it excessively focuses on oneself rather than trusting in God's grace, the gift of God’s forgiveness, and redemption.
These forms of pride might not always be apparent. Reflecting on them can be revealing and transformative. Spend time in prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and listening to the Holy Spirit.
Understanding and addressing pride is a journey. Reflect on these types of pride, seek feedback from those you trust, and pray for a heart of humility.
In doing so, you’ll open yourself to the grace and favor that God promises to the humble.
Alita Reynolds
President | Women of Faith
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