What happens when a society is ending?

 

Why is pride a problem? -- Full message 11/21/21

 

I was humiliated…by me

 

I can't get away from me

Tripped up by pride?

Glory To God Rather Than Stroking The Ego

Whenever a person steps onto a platform in church, in front of a congregation, there is a temptation to allow ego and pride to get in the way of giving glory to God.

These kinds of thoughts can prevail: “I wonder what they think of me?” Or, “I hope they notice and appreciate my skill and talent.” Rather than thoughts along these lines: “To God be the glory.”

It is helpful for anyone who stands in front of others communicating about God to be a private worshiper of God. Focusing on God rather than self must be a regular part of a person’s life, not just something we try to do in the moments we walk onto the platform.

P.S. You’ve just read another one of the many posts in which I am primarily challenging myself because of my own tendencies before attempting to instruct others.

Learning A Lesson About Pride... Over And Over Again

There is a guy who unfortunately had to learn—the hard way—the truth of this lesson: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18.

In other words, at a young age pride and arrogance brought trouble and embarrassment to this fellow’s life and he discovered, firsthand, their difficult consequences.

It would be nice to say, “Since the fellow learned this important lesson that is the end of the story.” But what happened is the guy forgot about the lesson and, sure enough, he had to learn it all over again.

You know what?

It would be nice to say, “Since the fellow learned this important lesson TWICE that is the end of the story.” But what happened is the guy forgot about the lesson and, sure enough, he had to learn it all over again.

You know what?

It would be nice to say, “Since the fellow learned this important lesson THREE TIMES that is the end of the story.” But what happened is the guy forgot about the lesson and, sure enough, he had to learn it all over again.

Are you seeing where this is going?

It is amazingly easy to fall back into the trap of pride and arrogance even when you know the trouble they will bring. They come so naturally to us, don’t they?

Over the years, the guy has had to learn this lesson many, many times. In fact, it’s downright embarrassing how many times he has had to learn it. But I’m happy to say that I think…maybe…he’s finally gotten it. At least, I hope he has because I’m getting tired.

Being Willing To Admit That I Have A Long Way To Go

If your understanding of yourself is that you are very good at some endeavor, believe it or not, it can possibly work against you.  This understanding worked against me when I was a young man.

At a certain point in my late teens, I began to see myself as very accomplished at playing the guitar.  It was true that I had some ability but I was far, far, far from being as accomplished as I wanted to believe I was.

However, in order to “protect” my own view that I was very good, I wound up avoiding situations in which it would be obvious to others and obvious to myself that I still had a lot to learn.  That was too bad because the result of avoiding those situations was that I avoided important learning and growing opportunities.  They were opportunities that would have humbled me but in the long run I would have made better progress in the development of the skill.

If you’re thinking, “Hmm, it sounds like pride was part of the problem.”

You’re right.

I’m now convinced that it would have been much more helpful to have an attitude like this:  I have some ability but I know that there is much more for me to learn.  I’m willing to make some mistakes in front of others in order to grow.  I’m willing to submit to further instruction.  I’m willing to ask for help from others and learn from others who I want to consider equals but actually they are more accomplished than me.

What I’ve written in the previous paragraph is the humble, willing-to-learn attitude that I wish I would have had as a young man.  I’m not a teen anymore.  I can’t go back and change that reality.  But I believe the humble, willing-to-learn attitude can still benefit me at this age. 

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”  1 Peter 5:6

The Pride And Arrogance I See In Others Is Also True of Me

Occasionally when I listen to other preachers I can detect pride or arrogance in the person and I’ll think to myself, “Tsk, tsk.  This guy is supposed to be honoring and glorifying Jesus.  His ego is shameful.”

When this has happened, however, there have been several times when an unwelcome realization has hit me.  What I have come to realize is that I am so sensitive to this quality in others because this pride and arrogance is also true of me. 

I hate when that happens.

Jesus said something that definitely applies to me, in this regard.  He said, “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”  Matthew 7:5

Fighting Two Enemies of Healthy Relationships

Two of the primary enemies of healthy relationships are pride and selfishness. On the other hand, relationships thrive when we are humble, generous and gracious—genuinely considering the needs of others.  (Researchers have also found that it’s very important to be nice to gray haired guys.)

Turning To God When Things Get Tough

When things are going really well, it seems that God more easily drifts away from our attention and we have feelings of confidence, believing that we have things under control. When trouble comes we’re a little more likely to turn to God and fervently seek His help, wisdom and presence. I wonder how often our attitude in the first condition is what inevitably leads us to the second condition.

Wisdom About Follow Through And Patience - Audio Podcast

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