Temptation often comes through the pride of life, and the pride of life is of the world: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17). We really have to do some introspection to detect pride in ourselves. Let’s consider two omissions of action that can be a manifestation of pride.
Admit wrong/confess sin
Pride can keep one from admitting wrong and confessing sin. It takes humility to say “I was wrong” and “I sinned.” But pride will cause one to think of their image before others and have concern for “saving face.” Simon the ex-sorcerer displayed the right attitude when rebuked concerning his sin; he replied “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me” (Acts 8:24). Christians today need to have the same attitude in admitting sins and being willing to confess our sins to God. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). And may we not have too much pride to confess public sin publicly. James’ teaching here would include public confession: “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16).
Ask for and accept help
Pride can keep one from asking for help from others as well as accepting others’ offers of help. It takes humility to recognize and admit we need help and to accept help, whether spiritually or physically. But some may not accept help because they are too proud to admit their need. We ought to follow this instruction both on the giving and receiving side: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Let us be humble to accept help with our burdens, and even ask for it, from our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Truly, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Let us examine ourselves in this matter of pride.
-Larry Jones