Pride Check

Do you like to always be superior to others? Do you have a tendency to deride someone who is experiencing a misfortune? Do you pick quarrels easily? Do you esteem yourself above others? Do you have the tendency to quarrel easily over discussions? Do you always want to be in control? Do you always want it your way? Do you have the tendency to take credit for what God has done in your life? Do you find it difficult to apologize? Does your desire for accomplishment and reputation exceed your love of God?  Do you have the belief that you have everything in your life under control because of your uniqueness, power, authority, and competence; you don't need anyone or anything to help you maintain things at an even keel. Do you feel like you have the answer for everything in your life and in the lives of others? Are you unable to listen to others or to God's messages? There are many questions that can readily determine a tendency to pride.

Pride is a major force in our world today. You can see it on display at home, on the job, in church, in the family and maybe even in your own life.

The key to dealing with pride, is to humble yourself. Practicing humility makes us teachable, and therefore wiser. It makes us better listeners and therefore more valuable friends. It allows us to examine ourselves and our personal traits without shame or judgment. It helps us get to know ourselves like never before. And, it opens up our hearts to the voice of God.

Humility is not low self-esteem. With humility, our self-esteem is not attached to our personal traits, physical appearance, wealth, shortcomings, assets or our past. Instead it is attached to the design of our creator who created.

Pride goes before a fall.