Pride comes at a high price. And may I encourage you, don’t pay it.
Think about it. How many friendships have been thwarted, because of pride? How many marriages have been dissolved, because of pride? How many Christians, have walked away from something amazing, because of pride?
Pride is simply thinking of yourself above others. It’s focusing on what you have done wrong rather than doing what is God’s right. It’s allowing your hurt to be greater than His hope. It’s walking out, because it’s easiest, rather than working it out, which is righteous.
The Bible tells us that we are to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3). Paul didn’t write this to be an option among several in dealing with conflict. This was a command, a picture to the world, in how we, as God’s children, handle things. One translation uses the words ‘to fight’ when it comes to keeping unity, because our natural tendency is not that. Our natural inclination is to walk away, to ignore, in hopes it will correct itself.
But we must remember, that the devil wants to seek and destroy (1 Peter 5:8), so he will not allow anything, to simply go away. Thus, we have to fight, ‘make every effort’ to preserve unity. And in light of all this, we must never forget the words of Jesus, in that, how we love one another will prove to the world that we are His disciples (John 13:35).
So, let’s choose humility rather than pride. Let’s choose to stand on God’s offer of grace, and live that grace accordingly. To the degree God hates arrogance (pride), He loves humility. And isn’t it easy to see why? Humility is happy to do what pride will not. The humble heart is quick to acknowledge the need for God, eager to confess sin, willing to kneel before heaven’s mighty hand, and love others the same.
The story of Nebuchadnezzar is a crystal-clear picture of the problem of pride. God sent him three messages, three opportunities to humble himself, but each time he refused. Finally, he had to spend seven long years learning his lesson, of which he eventually got (Daniel 4:36–37) – but at a high price. Again, it is not worth paying.
God has strong words for a prideful, selfish condition – “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5). And why? Because pride not only prevents reconciliation with God, but also prevents reconciliation with others.
There is wonderful freedom found in those who choose humility. So, may I offer, admit your failures, forgive everyone else’s, and enjoy the day.
