There is nothing nice about pride.
I’m not talking about the pride which is akin to gratefulness. I’m proud of my children. I’m proud of my college. Those sorts of pride are different.
I’m talking about the pride that thinks, “I’m better than everybody else.” That’s the dangerous kind of pride and from what I can tell, we all carry that with us like an invisible virus that’s just waiting to flare up.
A few weeks ago as I was preaching through I Peter, we came to I Peter 5:5 ‘In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
I love the picture of every morning, consciously choosing to put on humility. Just as I select a shirt out of the closet, I can also choose the attitudes of my heart.
Paul seems to be saying that having humility is not automatic for any of us. We have to reject the pride option and come out clearly on the side of humility every day. It seemed to me that it would be helpful then to think about what the two attitudes look like. I came up with this list which is helpful to me and may be to you. I doubt it’s complete but it’s a start toward thinking about the issue.
1. Pride is bossy and controlling. Humility is easygoing and sees leadership as service.
2. Pride wants to be sure and get the credit, humility is content to have served.
3. Pride is harsh and demanding. Humility is gentle and understanding.
4. Pride doesn’t think about the feelings of others in the conversation or in the moment. Humility is tender and empathetic.
5. Pride can be rigid and unbending. Humility is flexible and can adjust.
6. Pride is sinfully independent. Humility is gracefully interdependent.
Pride would rather die than ask for help.
The humble values the help of others and easily, comfortably acknowledges their need for help.
7. The proud person is frustrated with the imperfections and weaknesses of others. The humble soul is patient and accepting.
8. Pride has to be heard NOW or else. Humility can wait.
9. Pride hates to apologize. Humility is eager to set things right.
Pride will defend, justify, ignore what happened, hide from responsibility and resist any suggestion of fault. Humility will find no problem in recognizing that they can be wrong.
10. Pride feels entitled. Humility is grateful.
11. Pride hates correction and the suggestion there might be something lacking. Humility welcomes it because it is fully aware that there is room to grow.
12. Pride secretly thinks “I’m better.” Humility knows, “I’m not special.”
13. Pride wants (needs?) to be better than... Humility is content to do well.
14. Pride automatically loves its own ideas best. Humility welcomes everyone’s input
Pride really wishes everybody would just keep their thoughts to themselves...because, why bother...”haven’t I spoken?”
Humility honestly, welcomes everyone’s input and questions and thoughts:
15. Pride makes others feel small. Humility helps others feel significant and valued.
16. Pride is closed to instruction. Humility is eager to learn.
17. Pride is mortified when mistakes are made or weakness exposed. Humility is not shocked or embarrassed, but ready to correct, learn, and improve.
This is a list I need to read often. I hope it’s helpful for you as well.
