Humility or Pride – Heavenly Virtue versus Deadly Sin – 7

March 5

^“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

“When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: ‘When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, “Give this person your seat.” Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! ‘Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, “Friend, we have a better place for you!” Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14;7-11

                        There are times when you have done something amazing that you can be proud of what you have accomplished. However, it is essential not to allow your accomplishment to puff you up and make you think you are better than others. Pride is a way of thinking; it makes us believe we are better than others. In some things, we may be better, but we are not better overall.

                        Pride leads us to make poor decisions about people, believe they are inferior, and treat them poorly. Being first in a marathon does not make you perfect and better than everyone else, it means you are a good marathon runner. Find in yourself what you are good at, then look around and find out what is good in other people and compliment them for being good at that. Be proud of your accomplishments but be realistic about how great you are.

^“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

^“Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.” Proverbs 15:33

            How do you think people see you? How do you think God sees you? How do you see yourself? Take a good look at who you are. Consider the good things about yourself; now, be honest, and think about the bad things about yourself. Humility knows who we honestly are. Every one of us has done some great things. They may be minor to us, but to someone else, they were the greatest thing ever. Humility isn’t about cutting ourselves down, but it is about being honest with ourselves.

            You might be a great cook but not a trained chef. Perhaps you can do multiple math equations in your head, but simple grammar and punctuation are beyond you. What is more important is putting yourself out there for other people. Use what you are good at to help those who aren’t good in that area. Find ways to use your knowledge to help others. You might even find someone to swap knowledge with and become a great team.

PRAYER

Oh Lord, please allow me to see myself as I am. I know I am not perfect and never will be, but in Your eyes, I can be, but not yet. Give me the courage to see my faults and work on them if they can be better. Do not let me dwell on my weaknesses or strengths, but let me focus on becoming who you want me to be. I pray in the name of Jesus, AMEN!