Today, we’re going to talk a little bit about pride. But first, let’s check out the official definition.
According to mirriam-webster.com, pride is defined as 1) “the quality or state of being proud, such as inordinate self-esteem (conceit), a reasonable or justifiable self-respect; delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship,” and 2) “proud or disdainful behavior or treatment (disdain).”
There are further definitions, but we are going to look at these two for the purpose of knowing ourselves.
Those of us who are believers in the Triune God – God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – are aware of what the Word says regarding pride, and it isn’t good. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) Even if you aren’t, you have probably seen this happen to someone else or experienced this yourselves.
One of my first experiences with the truth of this Scripture came when, as a young adult, on a family trip in which we’d rented a van to accommodate all of us, no one wanted to drive it. But I did. My family complained because they felt I was taking curves a little too fast. He was concerned that it might tip over.
Feeling myself, all smug pride, I thoughtlessly said, “If you don’t like the way I’m driving, then someone else can drive.” Because I knew no one else was in any particular hurry to drive.
My dad replied something to the effect, “If that’s the way you’re going to be, I will drive.”
Talk about a haughty spirit going before a fall. Hurt at his sharp tone, tears came to my eyes, and I sat there sniffling as I began to take more care in the way I drove.
Now that may not seem like an important thing to you, but as you can see, I have never forgotten that moment. Does this mean I have never again gotten haughty?
Unfortunately, no. Because, in the heat of a moment, we sometimes forget even the hard-earned or hurtful moments. This is why we must always be aware of where we stand in every given situation. We must be quick to check ourselves to avoid the embarrassment of someone else calling us out as selfish, childish, or mean and hurtful, or haughty.
We must think carefully before we speak. Not every thought that comes into our minds needs to be spoken. Believe me, I am just as guilty as anyone else. I will always remember the advice given to me by a wise woman who was my elder.
“Stop thinking about yourself so much.”
It hurt me to the quick at the time. Over the years, though, that has stuck with me. Sometimes after I have thoughtlessly said or acted a particular way. Sometimes before, thank goodness. And this is how pride sneaks in insidiously. In some way, we compare ourselves to someone else in the things they say, how they act, or the things they do. If we don’t admire it, then we disparage it as though we, ourselves, would never say, act, or do those things.
Yet, we do, because we are not aware of what is going on inside ourselves. We need to ask ourselves, before we say, act, or do something, “Where is this coming from? What am I feeling in this moment?”
Believe it or now, and this is something I have to wrap my mind around myself, unless it’s life or death, we don’t have to rush our words or our actions. We can take a few moments to think first so that we are always mindful. If we do that, then we will have less regrets, less falls, less we have to feel guilty or shameful about. At least, that’s my plan.
What about you? Have you experienced times when you were haughty or prideful and came to regret it?
Until next time, be safe and stay mindful!