The definition of pride, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is this:

The quality of state of being proud: such as a) inordinate self-esteem (conceit), b) a reasonable or justifiable self-respect, and/or c) a delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship

Pride has dwelled with humans for a little over a minute… it’s nothing new, but something we as Christians still fight against. Why? Because it’s one of those fleshly desires – something within us, but not of the Spirit.

Adam and Eve’s struggle with pride led to the fall of humanity when they entertained the devil’s deceitful promise that the apple would give them the same ability to discern good from evil as God. (Genesis 3:5-6)

Adam and Eve struggled with pride. The fall of humanity was the devil speaking into Eve’s mind that she could be like God, discerning good from evil.

King David struggled with pride when he called for an unnecessary census of Israel’s army. “He seemed inclined to trust in a strong army rather than in an all-powerful God.”

King Uzziah presumed himself worthy of priestly duties, and was cursed with leprosy. (2 Chronicles 26:16) King Hezekiah’s pride prompted disobedience (2 Chronicles 32:25), Nebuchadnezzar was driven from his kingdom for taking credit for building Babylon (Daniel 4:30), and Herod was struck dead and eaten by worms because he assumed the status of a god rather than praising the One True God.

What if we allow what we accomplish and what we can do to block out what God can do if we would only let Him? If we’re getting caught up in things or people that take us away from what the Creator truly wants from us, are you listening to His call? He wants you to open your eyes to what He has for you. The life He has for us on this earth may bring persecution and people not understand your fervent prayers or passion for His will. That’s for you and God to work out.

The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

Proverbs 8:13 ESV

God’s will for your life doesn’t include sin and it doesn’t include pride (another sin). We’re not perfect. God calls us to perfection, but He also knows that we are a work in progress and our perfection comes when we make it Home to be with Him forever – where the great transformation takes place, we’re healed in more ways than one.

By insolence comes nothing but strife, but those who take advice is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 ESV

It’s irresponsible to be okay with sin because it makes us happy for the moment, because “God wants me to be happy.” God wants us to have joy in our hearts, which comes from obeying Him.

This message is obviously for the believer, new and old. Don’t let your pride – whether that’s just you believing you know what’s best or if that’s you doing great things and taking credit – don’t let it be your downfall. God’s purpose for us from the start was and always will be to give Him all the glory. Pride leaves no room for such praise.

You have made us like sheep for slaughter and have scattered us among the nations.

Psalm 44:11 ESV

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Galatians 6:14