Proverbs 16:18 (CSB)
Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
The Invisible Sin
Pride is a sneaky thing. It's the sin that we can see so easily in other people, but it's invisible in the mirror. Pride is the sin that we must constantly be working to uproot in our hearts because it is at the foundation of all sin. Whenever pride is crushed out of our hearts, humility will naturally take its place. James says that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). I don't know about you, but I could use more grace.
When "I" Becomes the Center of Your Universe
Isaiah tells us that Lucifer’s fall was a result of his pride.
Isaiah 14:13–14 (NLT)
For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’
In this text the prophet paints a strong picture of pride taking over. Note the recurring theme: “I will, I will, I will.” When we get to the point where every sentence, thought, or action starts with "I," we have a serious problem. Because of our sinful nature, our natural tendency will be to make "I" our god. We must be vigilant to fight against the natural current of our flesh, and resist every thought, emotion, and desire to put ourselves at the center of our universe.
The Warning Signs of Pride
Here are a few warning signs to be on the lookout for.
You might have a pride problem if:
You look down on others. In Luke 18:9-14 Jesus told a parable about the religious leaders who “looked down on everyone else.”
You’re always boasting about yourself and all things related to you. 1 Corinthians 5:6 (CSB) “Your boasting is not good.”
You have an overly inflated opinion of your abilities. Acts 8:9 (CSB) “A man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in that city and amazed the Samaritan people, while claiming to be somebody great.”
You’re never pleased with the circumstances God has placed you in. Philippians 4:11 (CSB) “…I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself.”
You’re constantly comparing yourself to other people. Matthew 26:33 (CSB) “Peter told him, 'Even if everyone falls away because of you, I will never fall away.'”
Grace, the Antidote to Pride
Let's turn our focus away from the destructive nature of pride for a moment, and let's look towards the hope that we have in God's grace. If you find yourself in some of the warning signs above, remember “there is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
Condemnation for our sins is not the cure for pride, but rather, it is the destructive agent the enemy uses against us. God's grace is the cure for our pride problem. It’s His grace that brings life-transformation and fills us with love, Kingdom purpose and identity.
Here’s the good news: God's grace to you is not based on your performance but rather your position. The key to conquering pride is to make room for God's grace. A natural result of the grace of God flowing through your life is growth in humility. Humility isn't thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.
So, as you go about your day today, pray for the Holy Spirit to do His illuminating work in your heart. Ask God to reveal the areas where pride is still working its destructive work in your life. When your pride has been exposed, submit those areas to the Kingdom authority rule of Jesus. Confess and repent, because God has promised that He will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). As you do, keep in mind your sanctification is a lifelong process. The good work that God has begun in you, He will see it to completion (Philippians 1:6). And that my friend, is not just an encouragement—it’s Kingdom living.