the all consuming I in pride…(a-z challenge)

Pride -noun, a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing and or conduct.

What letter is right smack in the middle of P.R.I.D.E?  Yep you got it…the all consuming “I”!

I have had to learn to control the “I” in my life.  At one time it was all consuming and controlling.  “I” could not be bothered with anything that might get in the way of me achieving my goals. Everyone in my life had always told me to be the best “YOU” can be, “YOU” can do anything YOU set YOUR mind to and If “YOU” want it go out and get it.  Then someone comes along and tells me, “ITS NOT ABOUT YOU”.   Well then…

Learning to put the needs of others before my own was the first step in a long journey.  Years ago I read a book, the Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick Warren.  The first line of the first chapter is etched into my memory.  It goes like this, “IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU”.   I thought if it’s not about me then who is it about. 

 Pride is:

• Pride, conceit, self-esteem, egotism, vanity, vainglory  imply an unduly favorable idea of one’s own appearance, advantages, achievements, etc., and often apply to offensive characteristics. Pride  is a lofty and often arrogant assumption of superiority in some respect: Pride must have a fall.
• Conceit  implies an exaggerated estimate of one’s own abilities or attainments, together with pride: blinded by conceit. Self-esteem  may imply an estimate of oneself that is higher than that held by others: a ridiculous self-esteem.
• Egotism  implies an excessive preoccupation with oneself or with one’s own concerns, usually but not always accompanied by pride or conceit: His egotism blinded him to others’ difficulties.
• Vanity  implies self-admiration and an excessive desire to be admired by others: His vanity was easily flattered. Vainglory,  somewhat literary, implies an inordinate and therefore empty or unjustified pride: puffed up by vainglory.

What Pride Is Not

a. Acknowledging and appreciating the gifts and abilities God has given you.
b. The presence of godly desire, ambition and purposeful direction in your life (1 Timothy 3:1)
c. Acknowledging the work of God within you.
d. The pursuit of excellence.
e. Defending and proclaiming the truth of Scripture.

PRIDE vs HUMILITY

Pride produces misunderstandings

Humility gives insight

 Pride produces arguments

Humility brings peace

Pride prevents intimacy

Humility builds closeness

Pride postpones reconciliation

Humility admits mistakes

 Pride promotes itself

Humility encourages others

In my experience being prideful is exhausting, humility is a much more peaceful existence.

Related Articles

• Humility – A Lenten Reflection by Kathy Escobar (godspace.wordpress.com)
• pride is a big, fat thief (musingsinmontage.wordpress.com)