Church Words: Pride

Recently I wrote about “humility”…some good discussions were had on that tough word. We saw how one of the antonyms was “pride”. Now, we aren’t talking about being proud of your kid doing something cool necessarily (although “bad pride” can creep into that, too), but more accurately this: thinking too highly of yourself, especially in relationship to God. Let’s look deeper at this issue…first, however, there's a scene from “Karate Kid" I'd love to visit. You know that part where Daniel-son finally flips out on Miyagi's "training"? And Mr. Miyagi basically exposes Daniel-son's folly? Daniel-son has been seeking martial arts training from Mr. Miyagi. Problem is, his motives are all wrong. He wants revenge against bullies. Wants to go kick their booties. Mr. Miyagi, however, wants to teach him ways to respect himself and use karate only as a defense tool. He also uses some indirect methods to teach…frustrating Daniel-son as he thinks it’s all a waste of time. Mr. Miyagi, thus, exposes this prideful attitude…

Why is pride such a big deal? Romans 12:3-5 shares some wisdom…I’m using “The Message” translation today: 3I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
4-6In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.

“…pridefully and enviously comparing ourselves…” This is but one area where pride is a big problem. We compare ourselves with others way too easily, often deciding we are “Better” than others in some way. God tells us this is not his way. But that leads into the ultimate deal about pride: it’s almost like we are playing “god”. Think about it. How often do you read or hear something about God, or a command, etc., and you go, “Yeah, whatever,” or, “Not for me”. Or maybe you do realize the purpose of these things, but decide you are stronger than you truly are…and thus don’t protect yourself against certain temptations. Watch out: before you know it, your pride will be your downfall…

Luke 6:46-49 (NIV): 46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Are you crying out “Lord, Lord!” and yet still being too prideful to pay attention? Are you leaning on your own understanding because you think too highly of yourself?

Things to Ponder...• Why was Daniel-son so upset with Mr. Miyagi?
• How do you think Daniel-son felt at the end of the session? What changed his attitude?
• Why is it so important to learn the fundamentals of something before attempting it?
• What are some characteristics that made Mr. Miyagi a good teacher? What made Jesus a great teacher?
• Do you personally trust God with your life even if you may not understand (or like) everything he asks? When has this frustrated you? When did lessening your pride and trusting God have benefits?