What exactly is pride? Well, there are many different definitions that we may come across; however, we see a common theme: an exaggerated opinion and appreciation of oneself!
We don’t have to negotiate our way out of the negative connotation behind that definition, pride can be ugly, sorry. Sure, we are called by God himself to love ourselves, let’s not be confused about this; however, let’s be mindful of the following as well:
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2
What did pride look like for me? Pride looked like a false belief I held on to too tightly that I had to have the last word. Why? Well, simply because he/she wasn’t going to talk to me like this or like that! I had a very big misunderstanding about what it meant to be a strong woman. I believed that being a strong woman looked like a mouthy woman who would speak up no matter what. I had no self-control, if anyone “disrespected me,” I was going to talk back, and do so louder than they did. But, why? Why is it that the enemy had led me to believe that I was untouchable and therefore no one could speak to me in a tone that was anything less than pleasant? What point was I trying to prove? What had happened to me that I felt the need to be okay with this lifestyle? Sure, we could go deep and dig into childhood, or previous hurtful relationships, etc., but the truth is simple: the enemy knows our weaknesses. The enemy had me in bondage for too long because he knew I couldn’t walk away from an argument to save my life. I can recall so many times that I battled guilt and condemnation because “my mouth” had put me in places where I hurt the people I loved. Not only was I battling pride, but guilt quickly followed (even though I would never admit it), do you see the toxic snowball effect that happens? Why exactly was this pride though? Well, because who exactly did I think I was that I couldn’t take a little attitude from someone else? A few years ago, God revealed that I was battling pride. I was at an executive meeting when someone in a position much higher than mine said some very mean things to me. More than “hurt” by these words, I was angry, because how dare this person? I of course unprofessionally provided a very emotional response and contemplated resigning at that moment. What I did instead was life-changing! I took the next day off, I remember calling it a “mental day,” and God spoke to me so clearly that day. God reminded me that Jesus himself was stoned, and crucified; yet, he had mercy and cried out to his Father to forgive those who were hurting him. The message was simple, if Jesus was stoned, beaten, and crucified, and displayed mercy then I certainly could too!
Now listen, as a woman who is passionate about lifting other women up, please do not hear what I am not saying. I am not saying that it is okay to remain in places and situations where you are getting beaten physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. What I am saying is to remain WISE – not every battle has to be fought, and not every word has to be spoken!
Let's see what God's word says about this:
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Don't have anything to do with arguing. It is dumb and foolish. You know it only leads to fights.
Timothy 2:23-24
Pride leads to us picking up insult and offense in places where and when it is unnecessary, pride partners with the Orphan Spirit so that we falsely believe that everything is meant to hurt us.
We are no longer orphans, we have received sonship through our Heavenly Father, and we are citizens of Heaven. Let's be good representatives of our Heavenly Father and let's lead with love!
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
My life has radically changed by laying down my pride. If you happen to be struggling with this, yours can too! I have asked and allowed God to come in and break pride, anger, and the orphan spirit off me – and by his grace, he has set me free. God fills me with grace, mercy, & forgiveness for others. Sure, I have moments when I can slip back into old habits, but the Holy Spirit quickly counsels me. I am beyond grateful for the goodness of God, for his transformation power, and for the places he's brought me out of. I am grateful that he continues to transform me into the woman, mother, daughter, sister, wife, and friend that he has called me to be. I am grateful that I decided to break chains, I am grateful that I said: enough is enough!
ความคิดเห็น