Our family loves sports. When my three boys play soccer or basketball, I remind them that these are team sports. Rather than hog the ball to be noticed, they need to pass it to others on the team.  

Just like kids, adults want to be noticed too. Adults can also look down on those they don’t think measure up. In Luke 18, Jesus addresses a religious crowd “who were confident in their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else” (18:9). These people were prideful and conceited.  They had a “holier than thou” attitude. 

Pride tells you that you sing better, work harder, are prettier or more spiritual than your peers! Pride is like a toxic disease that affects you and harms others around you. It chokes your spiritual life! It is only when we seek Christ and walk in Christ-like humility that we grow spiritually.

“Pride is pleasure arising from man’s thinking too highly of himself.” 

—Baruch Spinoza 

For Further Reflection 

Take a few moments to reflect on the following scriptures. In what areas of your life are you filled with pride? Take the time to examine your thoughts, words and actions and see if they come from humility or pride. Find ways of celebrating and complimenting others around you. Pray regularly for the Lord to help you be humble.

• Luke 18:9-14 
• Luke 14:7-14 
• 1 Peter 5:4-7 
• Colossians 3:12-13 
• Philippians 2:1-10

A Prayer for  Overcoming Pride

Dear God, please forgive me for my prideful thoughts, words and actions. I often think that I am better than other people or deserve more than others. However, everything I have and everything I am is because of You. Rather than looking down on others, help me to lift others up. Fill my heart and life with the humility that comes from You. I pray for all this in the name of Jesus.  Amen. 

Steps to Salvation

The Bible states that God loves you and cares for you as a person (John 3:16). Humankind has been separated from God by sin (Romans 3:23). God sent His Son as a provision for our salvation through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the dead (Romans 5:8). Doing good deeds is not enough (Ephesians 2:8-9), but receiving the free gift of salvation is (John 1:12).

You can invite Jesus Christ into your life right now by praying something like the following:

Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I need Your forgiveness and grace. I believe that Christ paid the penalty for my sin, and He died in my place, and He rose from the dead. I invite Jesus Christ to come into my life as Savior. Thank You for saving me from my sin and making me Your child. Help me to grow and learn how to serve You. Amen.