Written by: Lindsay Brent

"Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.  For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." -2 Corinthians 10:17-18 

The enemy has been very skillful in the ways in which he has infiltrated into our culture and society in todays times.  While it may not seem as evident as other ploys, he has carefully woven deeply seeded egotistical thoughts and feelings into the minds of God's people. It's a brilliant tactic when you really think about it, one that can go unnoticed if you are not attentive to taking every thought captive like Scripture encourages us to do.  We all feel it sometimes.  It can creep in and take root even if we don't recognize it as deceit. It is an inevitable feeling due to our fallen nature…but it is one that the Lord despises. Pride is not in the nature of God. James reminds us that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."  

So, what is so wrong about having a little bit of pride? You may have worked your tail off in the off-season to achieve all those accolades for your sport.  Or, you might not have had the best year athletically but absolutely crushed it in the classroom; and you should be very proud of your efforts. However, it is important to be able recognize when confidence lends itself to pride and successfully find ways in which to humble yourself before the Lord.  Luke encourages us that, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." What makes pride such a deadly sin is that it satisfies your flesh in believing that your success is independent of the Lord's provision. Staying humble highlights your dependence on God and reminds our flesh that he is the Provider of our gifts and talents.  Humility can also be a gentle reminder that your failures can be a source of blessing.

In what ways has pride subtly taken root in certain areas of your life?

Who are some people that you can trust to hold you accountable in confronting your battle with pride?

If there is one thing I can encourage you with, it's to keep God first, others second and yourself third.