Me? Pride?  What are you talking about?  I’m really humble!

This wasn’t the satisfaction-type pride at a job well done. I don’t think that sort of pride causes issues.  It’s the pride that made Adam and Eve hide from God when they realized they were naked in the garden. The pride that wants to hide any perceived weakness or failure and makes us afraid to be known for who we are.

From the journal . . . . November 2000

God, someone I’m very close to thinks I have major pride issues.  Do I Lord? 

This person was a Christian who I love and respect so I couldn’t just blow off her observation.  Time to talk to God!!  

And I Believe God Said:

You have some unspoken disappointments that have affected your attitudes.  Your mind has tried to make sense and bring logic to these disappointments, but your heart was hurt.

Admit the hurts to Me and don’t be ashamed to the point of denial.

Daughter, I died for all of your sins.  You can bring everything to Me because I forgive every sin in your life and in your being.  I am still your Father who loves His little girl.

1 Peter 5:6-7  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, ⁷ having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. NASB
1 John1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. NASB

The Lord didn’t come out and say that I had pride issues, but the implication was there. He went to the remedy.   I always hated admitting when I was hurt, especially emotionally. I wanted to be tough and not own a weakness, like hurt or fear. That’s how I saw it, but denying or hiding those feelings is pride.   

Not only did Jesus die to take away my sins, pride being a major sin in my life, but He showed me a better way.   Admit, confess, and tell Him about my feelings of hurt and fear. *  He knows anyway and loves me regardless.   

For the record, I did and still do have pride issues. I hate when it crops up and there are times when it takes a fall for me to recognize it as pride, but His grace is sufficient.  

Prov 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.NLT    

1 Peter5:6-7So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; He’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you. MSG

2 Cor 12:9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. NASB 

* There are sometimes questions if negative feelings are sin. I’m not sure, but I know they can lead to sin. In any case, acknowledge it all to the Lord. If it’s sin, He will convict and forgive.  If it isn’t, He will comfort. 

I know there are many other aspects to pride, but this was what I believe the Lord wanted me to see at this time!