a subject that has been bouncing around my head this past week.
Webster's Dictionary states the meaning to be: 1. Quality or state of being proud; specif.: a. Inordinate self-esteem; conceit. b. Lofty self-respect; a reasonable delight in one's position, achievements, possessions, etc. It also goes on to use words like: insolence; arrogance; disdain. The dictionary also references "Deadly Sins".
Proverbs 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes disgrace."
Proverbs 13:10 "Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice."
Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
Proverbs 29:23 "A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor."
I have been trying to figure out how pride works itself in my life. The thoughts I have become somewhat convoluted as the opposites (pride and humility) seem actually quite close in meaning. If you look at the person suffering from low self-esteem you may see the physical body-language of the depressed and you may sense a dullness in their spirit. Laughter and joy are far from them. If you look at the person who is full of pride, you may see a straight-up kinda "Joe". Head held high, shoulders puffed, and always a smile. Confident in their demeanor.
But......look again. The (I was stopped dead in my tracks right here as I was typing....)
Ah ha! The light bulb just went on as I was typing. I am confusing humility with low self-esteem and/or depression. There is a vast difference. Obviously pride has a negative connotation, as it takes away from God. It uses our own arrogant thoughts to place us in a position where we think we are better than those around us. I don't mean to do this, but I find myself doing this. It makes me mad - how dare I? When a Christian begins to slack-off on reading the Bible and praying the the mind will stray and you open yourself up to many actions whether physical, mental, social or emotional that are "hated" by God.
On the other hand, humility is allowing ourselves to stand tall and be confident always acknowledging that this is accomplished only by the Grace of God. Humility allows us to see everyone the way God sees them, as His beautiful creation. Each and every person is accountable to God, and I have no place in the judgment seat.
Jesus taught us in Matthew 7:3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
I will continue this journey during the coming week and pray that God will show me more of His wisdom. Please forgive me if I have hurt you while acting prideful.
Continually searching for wisdom,
Jennifer
But......look again. The (I was stopped dead in my tracks right here as I was typing....)
Ah ha! The light bulb just went on as I was typing. I am confusing humility with low self-esteem and/or depression. There is a vast difference. Obviously pride has a negative connotation, as it takes away from God. It uses our own arrogant thoughts to place us in a position where we think we are better than those around us. I don't mean to do this, but I find myself doing this. It makes me mad - how dare I? When a Christian begins to slack-off on reading the Bible and praying the the mind will stray and you open yourself up to many actions whether physical, mental, social or emotional that are "hated" by God.
On the other hand, humility is allowing ourselves to stand tall and be confident always acknowledging that this is accomplished only by the Grace of God. Humility allows us to see everyone the way God sees them, as His beautiful creation. Each and every person is accountable to God, and I have no place in the judgment seat.
Jesus taught us in Matthew 7:3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
I will continue this journey during the coming week and pray that God will show me more of His wisdom. Please forgive me if I have hurt you while acting prideful.
Continually searching for wisdom,
Jennifer
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