Popular culture reveres pride. Celebrities bathe in their narcissism, only to gain even more fans. Kids on the playground imitate the self-promoting celebrations of their favorite athletes. Arrogance masquerades as “confidence,” while meekness becomes a dirty word.
But if personal pride is such a good thing, why is it that no one likes to live close to a proud person? Jesus showed us a radically different way. As He commissioned 72 disciples to do some advance work for Him, He pushed them out of their comfort zone. He hinted that they might face rejection (Luke 10:10). Yet they were to take nothing extra with them. Instead, they were to rely on the kindness of the people they visited (vv.3-7). Jesus left no room for self-sufficiency.
His followers enjoyed great success stating, “Even the demons obey us when we use Your name!” (v.17). But Jesus replied, “Don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven” (v.20).
Jesus is always taking us out of our comfort zone. As He does, it nurtures our complete reliance on Him. But when we find success, we naturally gravitate toward personal pride in “our” accomplishments. This is not the reaction Jesus wants. He desires our gratitude for belonging to the Lord of heaven and earth. “O Father,” He prayed, “thank You for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike” (v.21). “The kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children,” said Jesus on another occasion (Mark 10:14). That’s a far cry from the “mature” pride our society esteems.
Pride is something we all need to work on giving up—for good.
More:
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
Next:
Read Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 11:25-30. What does this say about Jesus? What does Mark 10:13-16 say about faith and children?
F.O.C.U.S. on May 8, 2010 at 5:38 am
Tim,
Thankyou for todays devotional. I find this is a daily battle and some days are better than others!
Am I truly living for myself or to please God? It really is ‘where the rubber hits the road’ as far as questions go.
It always interests me that the authors of the Westminster Shorter Catechism chose as the very 1st question something that strikes a deathblow to pride – ecause its answer informs us that we aren’t here for ourselves at the end of the day – we are here for the glory of God. It doesn’t get more humbling than that really!!!
tim gustafson on May 10, 2010 at 6:17 am
Thanks for weighing in on this topic! You can’t do much better than “glorify[ing] God and enjoy[ing] Him forever.” That gives me some badly needed perspective.
EtukaRose on May 8, 2010 at 9:26 am
I have learned to be conscious of pride and prideful behaviors. Pride creeps in on you. It could be very subtle and not always an overt behavior. “Even the demons obey us when we use Your name!” (v.17). could be a prideful statement, it all depends on ones intent. You alone know. But if you acknowledge pride as something you truly want to eradicated from your life and replaced with the humble nature of Christ, the Holy Spirit will continuously expose the behavior when it is about to occur, while it is occurring or after the act, (conviction). “Rome was not built in a day”, getting rid of pride is a process. However, our God is so good, He does not give up on a soul yawning and willing to be changed.
msumalabe on May 8, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Thank you Tim for this message. The part where it says “Jesus left no room for self-sufficiency” really hit me. Indeed, “pride goeth before a fall” and this became applicable to me. I’ve landed in a complex situation due to my own foolishness.
The Lord has rebuked me on this sin and reminded me of humility and complete reliance in Him. I am deeply grateful for this chastisement, “because the Lord disciplines those He loves and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son”
tim gustafson on May 10, 2010 at 6:19 am
I’m running with you on this one, my friend. We’re in this together!