Table of Contents
Introduction: What Is Pride?
One New Year’s Sabbath, we were asked to write down prayer requests for the year. What we’d like God to do for us that year. I sat there, wondering, “Now what do I write?” Then one request came to mind: “Lord, make me humble.”
It felt like such a bold and rather unique thing to ask. Not health, not financial success—just humility. I scribbled the words down, folded the paper, and placed it in the prayer box, not realizing then what that prayer would cost me.
God, in His grace, answered that prayer—just not in the way I expected. From then on, it seemed like every situation was designed to test and build my humility. That year was filled with challenges, misunderstandings, and moments where I had to swallow my pride, bite my tongue, and choose humility over vindication. It wasn’t easy. I stumbled, fell, and struggled, but through it all, I felt God shaping me.
Looking back, I can now see how each trial was God molding me, teaching me to rely less on my pride and more on His strength. Even today, He’s still working on me, reminding me that humility is not a one-time lesson, but a lifelong journey.
This story highlights an essential aspect of our spiritual lives: pride. Pride, according to Christian teachings, is not just an unhealthy ego boost. It is the most destructive sin, subtly undermining our connection to God and others. Pride elevates the self above all, placing us in direct conflict with God’s plan.
Pride as the Root of Sin
C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity, calls pride “the great sin” because it drives a wedge between us and God. Pride goes beyond, us, merely thinking too highly of ourselves—it creates a spirit of competition and comparison. It feeds on the belief that we must be superior, richer, or smarter than others. Pride is the essence of all sin because it dethrones God and places the self in His position.
Biblical Examples of Pride
Lucifer: The Fall from Heaven
The story of Lucifer is the clearest illustration of pride. Once a beautiful and powerful angel, Lucifer’s downfall came when he desired to elevate himself above God. Isaiah 14:12-14 describes his ambition: “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.” Lucifer’s pride caused his expulsion from heaven, and he became Satan. Pride turned him into the ultimate enemy of God and man.
King Nebuchadnezzar: Humbled by God
King Nebuchadnezzar’s story in Daniel 4 is another striking example of pride’s destruction. The king of Babylon boasted about the greatness of his empire, claiming credit for his accomplishments. God responded by humbling him—he lost his kingdom and wandered in the wilderness like a beast. After his humiliation, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God’s sovereignty, saying, “Those who walk in pride He is able to put down” (Daniel 4:37).
Pharisee and the Tax Collector: A Lesson from Christ
Jesus gave a powerful lesson on pride in Luke 18:9-14. A Pharisee prayed, boasting of his righteousness and looking down on others. Meanwhile, a humble tax collector begged for mercy, recognizing his unworthiness. Jesus made it clear: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” The Pharisee’s pride distanced him from God, while the tax collector’s humility brought him closer.
The Dangers of Pride
Pride is dangerous because it blinds us. The more prideful we are, the less likely we are to see it in ourselves. It cuts us off from receiving grace because we cannot accept help if we think we don’t need it. Pride turns our focus inward, making us self-centered and less compassionate toward others.
In the Bible, pride led to rebellion against God. It caused Lucifer’s fall, Adam and Eve’s disobedience, and the downfall of many leaders, like Saul and King Uzziah. Pride also hinders our relationships with others. It breeds jealousy, competition, and conflict, making peace impossible. As Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Humility: The Antidote to Pride
The opposite of pride is humility. Humility is not about thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. It means recognizing your dependence on God and treating others with kindness and respect. Jesus demonstrated this perfectly. Philippians 2:8 says, “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
As Christians, we believe in reflecting Christ’s humility in our lives. One way to combat pride is through constant prayer and self-examination. Asking God to reveal areas where pride may have crept in is essential. Remember, humility is not about outward appearances of meekness but about a heart surrendered to God.
Conclusion: How to Combat Pride
Pride is a sin that creeps into our lives, often unnoticed. It’s competitive, seeking to place us above others and even above God. The best defense against pride is to embrace humility, recognizing that everything we are and have comes from God.
Ask yourself daily: Am I looking up to God or looking down on others? God continues to work in us, just as He is working in me since I prayed for humility that New Year’s Sabbath. Pride is subtle, but with God’s help, we can overcome it and live lives marked by true humility.
Let’s pray for God to keep us humble, knowing that it is only through humility that we can truly know Him.
