It is pride month, which makes me cringe; not in the context of what Pride month means in our culture, but what pride means to God of the world. The word itself and the idea of celebrating pride, of any kind, is destructive. Pride is defined as: a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
Take Just a Moment to be Proud
Celebrating an accomplishment and feeling proud of yourself or someone else is one thing, but to celebrate pride is dreadful. Feeling proud for a moment, should quickly roll right into gratitude rather than letting it hang in the pride stage and stopping there. If pride sits in the forefront for more than a passing moment it turns to arrogance. If moments of pride roll right over that stage and into an expression of thanksgiving, it is inspiring and gives opportunities to celebrate and enjoy the goodness of God.
Insecurity Is Pride
Proud people center their affections on themselves and whatever they are proud of. Pride attracts the attention of many. Ego is loud and overbearing; even if it never makes a sound, it takes over a room, and doesn’t leave space for anything else. Insecurity is a form of pride; it is a focus on self, in a negative view, but focus and attention on one self, is still pride, and dominates any space it enters.
Pride drives us far from God, no matter what pride is boasting about, it is the opposite of giving our attention and focus and thanks to God. Pride is the thing that says I don’t submit to God and His ways, I submit to my feelings and pleasure, accomplishments, and possessions.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
Pride Is A Thief
Pride demands recognition, it is desperate to be seen and noticed. Pride marches around demanding attention and loyalty to whatever particular accomplishment or pleasure makes a person proud.
Pride lies to the people that have it. It says the person is in control of their own life, and in reality pride controls the people that hold it. The very pride you hold onto, is the pride that has a hold on you.
Pride is a thief. It doesn’t free anyone, it steals freedom and joy. Pride hijacks truth and beauty and twists it into chaos and confusion. The truth is, God gave us a promise and sealed it with a bow; if there is any pride to be had in that, it’s a child that draws a picture of it, reminding everyone who sees it, God’s creation is beautiful, colorful and very good, just the way He designed it.
Repenting of Pride
One of the greatest tricks of the enemy is wrapped up in pride. A month dedicated to celebrating Pride, the very thing that turns us away from God, is not something to celebrate, but to repent of.
1 John 2:16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world.
