The Dangers of Pride: Overcoming Self-Centeredness for a Life of Humility

The Greatest Problem: Pride

As a counselor, I have been asked many questions about the problems people face. From fixing leaky faucets to diagnosing mysterious aches and pains, people turn to professionals for help. But when it comes to counseling, the most common question I am asked is, “What problems do you see most?”

While depression, anxiety, anger, and conflict are some of the most frequently mentioned issues, I have come to realize that the root of many of these problems is pride. Yes, pride — the very thing that God despises and warns us about in Proverbs 6:16-19.

The Danger of Pride

Pride is a dangerous thing that can lead to anger, hurt, and foolishness. It keeps us from experiencing the restorative effects of conviction, humility, and reconciliation. Proverbs 11:2 warns us that pride leads to disgrace, while Proverbs 29:23 tells us that pride brings a person low. James 4:6 reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. In Revelation 3:17-20, we see that pride can even lead us to believe that we are self-sufficient and do not need God.

Moreover, the Bible warns us that pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). It is a trap that can lead us down a path of destruction, causing us to lose sight of what is truly important in life. It can cause us to focus on ourselves instead of on God and others, leading to a life of emptiness and despair.

The Root of Pride

But what is the root of pride? At its core, pride is a self-centered attitude that exalts oneself above others. It is a belief that we are better than others and that we deserve more than we have been given. It is a refusal to acknowledge our own limitations and a desire to be in control of our own lives.

As Christians, we know that this kind of thinking is completely contrary to what the Bible teaches us. Jesus himself modeled humility for us, washing the feet of his disciples and ultimately giving up his life for us on the cross (John 13:1-17). Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:3-4 to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility to consider others better than ourselves. He also reminds us in Romans 12:3 not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought, but to think of ourselves with sober judgment.

The Solution to Pride

So how do we overcome pride? The solution is simple, but not easy. It requires a change in attitude and a willingness to submit to God’s will. We must recognize our own limitations and acknowledge our need for God. We must also be willing to put the needs of others before our own and to serve them with humility.

One way to do this is to spend time in prayer and Bible study. As we read God’s word and pray for his guidance, we will begin to see ourselves more clearly and to recognize the areas in which we need to grow. We will also begin to see others as God sees them and to love them as he loves them.

Another way to overcome pride is to serve others. Jesus himself modeled this for us, telling his disciples that the greatest among them would be the one who served the most (Matthew 23:11-12). As we serve others, we will begin to see them as God sees them and to love them as he loves them.

Finally, we must be willing to receive correction and to admit when we are wrong. Proverbs 15:31-32 tells us that those who accept discipline are on the path to life, but those who ignore correction are fools. We must be willing to listen to others and to accept their feedback, even when it is difficult to hear.

The Benefits of Humility

So why is humility so important? First of all, humility allows us to see ourselves more clearly and to recognize our weaknesses and limitations. This, in turn, allows us to grow and to become the people God created us to be.

Secondly, humility allows us to see others more clearly and to love them as God loves them. When we are not focused on ourselves, we are able to see the needs of others and to serve them with love and compassion.

Finally, humility allows us to draw closer to God. James 4:8 tells us that when we draw near to God, he will draw near to us. As we humble ourselves before God, we will experience his grace and his presence in our lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pride is the root of many of the problems we face in life. It is a dangerous trap that can lead us down a path of destruction and keep us from experiencing the restorative effects of conviction, humility, and reconciliation. However, by recognizing our own limitations, putting the needs of others before our own, and submitting to God’s will, we can overcome pride and experience the benefits of humility.

So let us not be like those who are haughty and self-centered, but let us follow the example of Jesus, who modeled humility for us and ultimately gave his life for us on the cross. Let us serve others with love and compassion, and let us draw closer to God as we humble ourselves before him.