Pride will get us in trouble no matter the situation. It is an evil thing that comes straight from the devil. Pride comes in so many forms it’s impossible to name all of them.
There are examples of obvious pride accompanied by a narcissist attitude boasting their way to the top position of a corporation. A talented person always wanting to be seen will compete and usually win any solo opportunities while shutting others out. There are people in various organizations who will literally snub others who are not in their group. Obvious pride is all around us and yes, it hurts people.
The not so obvious examples of a “look at me” type of pride can go unnoticed. While most people will not see this type of pride, God sees every last motive. A kind hearted person always willing and wanting to head up a prayer chain is also the one who carries tales to others based on the way a request in interpreted. This should be confidential yet it is introduced with such kindness that people don’t see what’s happening. Let us pray for her because she……. then comes the tale telling. There are helpful hands always going the extra mile to assist others yet they let everyone know what all they did for another person.
The list in both categories is never ending because motives differ from person to person. Unfortunately both the giver and receiver of pride get hurt. The receiver loses trust and the giver becomes more puffed up. God cannot bless either.
It’s always good to pray and ask God for a discerning spirit in order to recognize ones that carry tales or slander behind the backs of people. God will answer our prayer and once we recognize such habits of a person we can withhold information from them and put them secretly on our prayer list. As for promotions and getting recognized, let God do the noticing. We may not get the rewards earned here but God, Who sees all things, will see to it we get what is due to us in heaven.
It’s easy to get caught up in pride from many angles but the more we avoid or challenge it the better off we will be when God judges in the end. Pride robs us of rewards and it can even cost us our souls if we are not careful to put ourselves aside and accept Christ as Savior. It’s all about putting God first and allowing Him to be the rewarder. God is just and fair. He if faithful and true and as we strive to keep Him first in our lives we will not be disappointed.
1 Peter 5:5b-7 New International Version (NIV)
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.