It’s easy to notice something disagreeable in others. It’s not so easy to pray for a renewed perspective insofar as our convictions will allow it. Even if our position is unchangeable, our attitude should be gracious so that we don’t become puffed up with pride. Elizabeth in “Pride and Prejudice” drove the point home when she complained about Mr. Darcy, ‘I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.’
“Mere Christianity”, C.S. Lewis says “According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere flea bites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind…” He also says “the more we have it in ourselves, the more we dislike it in others”. When we focus critically on others faults, then we may become blind sided with a blind side, and involuntarily adopt the sin of pride while we were ironically noting it in someone else.
Blind Side (Noun) 1. The side on which one’s vision, especially the peripheral vision, is limited or obstructed. 2. The side away from which one is directing one’s attention.
Blind Side(d) (v.t.) 2. To attack where a person is vulnerable.
(The Free Online Dictionary)
David said “Search me, God, and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” I wonder if he had just spent time with someone puffed up with pride. The best antidote for those unpleasant moments is to ask God to reveal heart sins and spend some time in introspection and repentance for ourselves, as well as intercession for others.
David was not an average king as far as pride goes. Though he could have abused his power as many in high positions do, he asked God why he had even bothered with him and his family…and yet answered himself humbly, saying that he knew it was for the sake of God’s Word and to carry out His will, and that God had been kind enough to let him. a mere human and servant, know. (2 Samuel 7:18-29) When we really get a grasp on this, we can’t be knocked off guard for long by difficulties and upsets. Whatever comes our way…whatever lot in life we have, if we can just hold onto that it’s all part of God’s plan and for His glory, we’ll be ok. We learn to showcase God in whatever circumstance He chooses for us. He doesn’t hold titles, positions, wealth or any of that in esteem. He values our devoted and intimate relationship with Him. If we’re cast into a humbling role in life, rather short term or long term, we can rest assured that God’s grace is fuller and His presence nearer to give us all we need to trust and carry out His will.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus comforts us with many truths that fly in the face of the prideful, such as, “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are – no more – no less. That’s the moment when you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” If you like treasure hunting, click on the link and you’ll find more. (Matt. 5 MSG)
There are both promises and warnings nestled in the Beatitudes and it’s clear Jesus sees beyond the outward things that we so easily put our pointy fingers on…right to the heart of every matter, which is where God looks. Glimpsing into judgmental hearts has to be another reason why God is disgusted by pride and finds it an insult. If we really are finding something a stumbling block, and choose to pray about it, God is faithful to give us wisdom, reveal our own planks, and show us the direction He has for us, so that we are led by Him and not blind sided by pride.
Cobbled Stones 