What is this thing called pride? Why is pride so destructive? Let’s take a closer look at why it is important to resist this behavior.

 

Pride is defined as a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements. It is exalting ourselves and boasting upon ourselves. Pride can make you believe that you are your own source of success or accomplishments with no regard to the true source which is Our Lord. Just as the scripture says, pride comes before destruction. Pride can cause major destruction in all areas of your life.

 

Pride has the ability to temporarily make you feel good while leading you down a dark path of self indulgence. It results in providing you with an unrealistic perspective of self worth. Pride can cause you to lose family and friends due your exaggerated image of superiority . Pride strokes the ego while feeding it instant gratification and contentment, while wading in a pool of sin and conceit. 

 

At the moment, it may feel that you are on top of the world. After a while some can find themselves on top of their own imaginary mountain, all alone. Pride can become the sword with which cuts others. Unhealthy pride can be developed through negativity, jealousy, insecurity, and spite.

 

Pride is a dangerous mindset, however there is a healthy kind of pride that is rooted in our faith in God. It is a beautiful assurance of who you are and whose you are. It can also come from living a life of righteousness. This pride is more of a confidence than a boast. On the other hand, pride that is unhealthy is one of superiority and exalted in nature. It's self absorbed and selfish in motive. 

 

How can we break free from the bodage of pride? We can make a conscious decision to stand for what is right.  We can build mental strength and acknowledge where our help comes from, which is from The Lord. We can express thankfulness for the simplest and most basic blessings like food on the table and shoes on our feet. We can also celebrate in exciting life accomplishments such as a new job promotion. We should be just as excited for the first as we are for the latter. We can also let go of those strongholds which hold us back from our confidence and quiet pride such as our insecurities and jealousy. 

 

Lastly, we need to do what God wants us to do, not what we think will make us look or feel good. When we are operating in God’s Will, that’s when we truly start to succeed...not just in the flesh, but also in the spirit. With God we are rich and without Him we are poor. Be Blessed.