The test of pride is often a recurring test that we face throughout our lives. We come into the world with a pride nature, but we can overcome this sin with the Lord’s help. We may not know we are caught up in pride because we have blind spots, but our sin is evident to those around us. James gives us the Lord’s perspective on the danger of pride. James 4:6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [1]
Pride is a sin that the Lord hates, and He convicts us of this sin so we can repent and receive forgiveness. The sin of pride makes me feel entitled, wanting power or glory for myself, which belongs to God. Pride is about our self-importance, but humility recognizes our weakness; we are unworthy and dependent on the Lord. If I can’t admit I am wrong, it is because of my pride.
Jesus Faced a Test of Pride
Just as satan tests us with pride, He tested Jesus. This Scripture gives us insight into how we can overcome this temptation. Matthew 4:5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” [2]
Jesus quoted Scripture to overcome the devil in the first temptation. The enemy responded by twisting Scripture in Jesus’ second temptation. If Jesus were to jump off the temple and show His greatness, it would not been brave or a show of faith. Jumping off the temple would have been outside of God’s plan, which included His teaching, miracles, and giving His life on the cross. How would jumping off the temple begin Jesus’ ministry? If Jesus had done that, He would have started his ministry in pride apart from His Heavenly Father’s will.
Humility is the Cure for Pride
To be humble is to realize we are not self-sufficient but depend on the Lord for everything we have. Our lives, salvation, eternal life, gifts, and abilities come from our Savior. When we give our free will to the Lord and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, we begin to witness the Lord working through us. As the Lord transforms us, we become more like Jesus, which takes time.
Being humble is admitting our sinful nature and our need to be guided by the Holy Spirit. If I accomplish anything in this lifetime, God gave me the gifts and talents to do so. Jesus relied on His heavenly Father and quoted from God’s word to counter satan’s temptation. He did not depend on Himself, and we must do the same.
Jesus is the model of humility who gave up His place in heaven to come down in the muck and mire of this earth. He gave up His heavenly throne to rescue humanity by giving His life for us on the cross. Like Jesus, humility enables us to receive God’s guidance and live out the Lord’s plan.
To learn about the test of pride, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-is-tempted
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jas 4:6). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mt 4:5–7). Tyndale House Publishers.