Never Underestimate Pride

How Do We Know If We've Got Pride in Our Life?

Pride only breeds quarrels (Proverbs 13:10 NIV). This I can attest to in my own life. Whenever there's been conflict or quarrel, it usually traces back to some unchecked pride in one or more of our lives. Pride is sometimes very subtle and difficult to detect. Other times it's pretty obvious.

We all can become prideful. It's in our sinful nature. Whether it's an external pride (like acting superior and behaving like you know it all) or an internal pride (selfishness, stubbornness) these forms of pride are not good.

We all need to recognize pride in our self. Let's look at what the Bible teaches in Matthew 7:3-5 NKJV: "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." It appears we can be blinded by pride. Therefore, we must first remove our own pride before we can assist anyone else with theirs.

How do we know if we've got pride in our life?

Here are a few areas to be watchful of:
Do you keep score when someone slights you or hold grudges?
Are you unable to apologize when you're wrong?
Are you unable to ask for help?
Are you constantly focused on yourself?
Are you insecure?

If you see any of the above items appearing in your life, you've got pride. Looking at King Uzziah from the Old Testament, we can learn a lot from his example. He started out well. As long as he sought the Lord, he prospered. Unfortunately, when he became strong in his own power (prideful) he went astray. You can read more about King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26:1-23.

The Bible teaches us God hates pride in James 4:6 NIV "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Therefore, let us humble ourselves before the Lord and He will lift us up (James 4:10).