The danger of pride is a trap any person can fall into as we try to elevate ourselves above others. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.[1] Unchecked pride destroys relationships and individuals and is something the Lord despises. Pride is a high or inordinate opinion of one’s dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether cherished in the mind or displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.[2]
When we are filled with pride, we exalt ourselves above the Lord and others with our focus on ourselves. Lucifer was once a mighty angel doing the work of God until he was filled with pride, resulting in his fall. Isaiah 14:13 For you said to yourself, ‘I (Lucifer)will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. 14 I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ 15 Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths. [3]
The Test of Power
How will we use the power and authority we are given, whether large or small? In the story of Esther, Haman’s conduct can teach us about the dangers of pride. Esther 3:1 Some time later, King Xerxes promoted Haman, son of Hammedatha the Agagite, over all the other nobles, making him the most powerful official in the empire. 2 All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded. But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect. [4]
Like many of us, Haman did not realize how satan would use his promotion to temp with pride. Esther 2:5 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage.[5] In his rage, Haman would seek to destroy the Jews because Mordecai was a Jew. Pride closes our eyes to the enemy’s trap for us because we are not looking to God but ourselves. This was true for Haman but also true for us.
Humility
As we look at pride’s destructiveness, we realize how important it is to let the Lord lead us to humility. When we read God’s word and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, He enables us to see how our decisions affect others and us. Conviction of sin is a blessing so we can repent and receive forgiveness.
Ask the Lord to mold and shape you into a humble person, but be prepared for God to work in your life in ways you may not expect. Sometimes, in this process, the Lord must smooth out some rough edges, which can be painful but beneficial. To learn more about the danger of pride, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/dastardly-plots
[1.3-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.