True Confession: I am a terrible blogger because I have about a billion things on my to-do list everyday and usually only get to the top 5. But this one I have to get off my chest.
Pride. It is a word that has haunted my every step for the past 3 years. As I grow in my knowledge of Christ and His humility, I discover deeper levels of pride hidden in my soul.
Take, for instance, the way I will act in a group sometimes. I find myself sometimes interrupting others to make a stupid comment or monopolizing the conversation in a way that demonstrates my self-absorption and need to be recognized. On the other hand, sometimes I do not say the very thing God has laid on my heart (in a Bible study setting or conversation with a friend) because I am not willing to risk my reputation or my relationship with the other person.
The latter smacks more of an ungodly fear, I admit, but at the center is wrapped around my own need for others to think well of me. How shall I defeat this monstrous pride?
Way #1) Ignore it and hope it goes away. Never works. Pride grows unless it is destroyed.
Way#2) Tell others I wrestle with pride and ask them to hold me accountable. I have to be careful who I tell, for some Christians will unwittingly bludgeon me or treat me as diseased for admitting this. Unhelpful. Call on some brothers and sisters who will offer grace as well as accountability.
Way#3) Keep seeking God and ask Him to change my heart. Repent and recognize my need for Jesus Christ.
I've been told to keep the gospel at the center of any talk or message. Really, the gospel needs to be the center of our daily lives. This is our most effective weapon against Pride. We don't have to believe we are the best, the most talented, the funniest, the coolest, the best-dressed, the most-beautiful, the most-athletic, the most unique, etc. We don't have to believe (and shouldn't!) that we are the best.
If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our savior, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1. Our sins have been paid for and that is the only thing we should boast in, especially to ourselves.
As the apostle Paul says, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" Galatians 6:14.
