PRIDE VS. HUMILITY

So I began a new project yesterday during my morning Encounter Time. It is called The Humility Project for Men by Edward T. Welch. It is a 42 Day look at humility-first, toward God; second, toward others. It only makes sense that the first couple of lessons would establish what pride is.  Included in each lesson is space for responses. Here are some of mine from today:

There is a good pride. Pride in a job well-done, for example. Pride in playing well in a game. There is nothing wrong in feeling good, of taking pride in what you have accomplished. 

But the wrong kind of pride has bigger aspirations. Pride wants to “make a name” for himself. To put it another way: to see my name in lights. Pride wants to be a little above, a little better, a little more recognition, a few more pats-on-the-back than the other guy. False pride always compares, always judges, always thinks I am better than someone (everyone) else. Pride competes, not for the thrill of being involved or victory, but for the name recognition, or the award that says, “Hey! Look at me!” When pride is present, everyone else is second. 

When King Nebuchadnezzar (herein called Neb) thought was all that and more, God humbled him. For 7 years he lived and looked like an animal. When the time was up and Neb was restored to kingship and sanity, he said this: “Now I, Neb, praise and glorify and honor the king of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and…(wait for it)…he is able to humble the proud.” (Dan. 4:37 NLT). Proverbs 16:5 says, “The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished.” (NLT)

We often hear it said, “Pride goes before the fall.” So the way I see it is that I must ask myself a question: Do I want to be on my face before God in humility OR do I want to be there because I’ve done a face plant because I tripped on my pride?