Pride and Humility

Pride is defined as an ostentatious display; proud or disdainful behavior or treatment; conceit.

Have you ever wondered where being prideful comes from? One can become prideful when feeling powerless, disrespected or feeling ignored.

There are many ways that we display our pride. When one is in the middle of an argument, pride expects us to defend our "position". At times during an argument, hurtful things can be said. Pride prevents us from apologizing, enabling feelings of guilt and betrayal. Humility allows us to apologize whether we are right or wrong. Our concern becomes that of removing the pain we inflicted on others.

As children, we are sometimes taught to "swallow" our pride when we are hurt. We're told to "suck it up"; to not express any disappointments; to not let our emotions show. Humility allows us to be authentic and true to ourselves. Humbling ourselves enables us to deal with issues as they arise. There is a peacefulness that surrounds us once we make amends.

Have you ever been given the cold shoulder? You try to speak to someone and they act as though you don't exist. Sometimes we don't even know why or what we may have done to cause the mistreatment. When we feel ignored or shut out, pride can cause ill feelings to fester. This can lead to contempt. None of us likes being disrespected. Humility allows us to forgive the offender. Humility enables us to rise above feelings of revenge. Humility allows us to forgive ourselves.

Pride can also cause our head to swell; to be conceited; to place or view ourselves in greater esteem than others. Humility shows us that this is not the case. Humility reveals to us that we tend to hide behind conceit when we feel unworthy. Humility allows us to let go of our pride.

Psalm 29:23 says: a man's pride will bring him low, but, the humble in spirit will retain honor.

To me, pride is:
P eople
R elying on
I nternal
D estructive
E gos

Will you hold onto your pride or will you humble yourself?