prIde

This is something I've been considering posting for a while. If you've read this post, you know I have a "thing" about Christianity being practical. Consequently, I'm always on the lookout for material that helps me understand Biblical concepts in real life ways.

We're familiar with what the Bible says about pride. It's a sin God hates, it goes before a fall, it contributed to Lucifer's fall, and it will cause God to resist us. Proverbs 16:5 puts it rather bluntly: "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not go unpunished."

Pride is one of those things that's easy to see in others. Seeing it in ourselves is a different matter, which is funny because, if we're honest, we all know we're prideful. This list of questions was not only convicting (!) but it helped me pinpoint real life situations where my pride can manifest itself.

I didn't write these questions, so don't be mad at me!! ;-)

- Do you feel badly or envious or jealous when others are honored? Do you have feelings of gladness when another is humbled?

- Do you have difficulty accepting criticism-- do you justify yourself or become defensive when someone points out your shortcomings or criticizes or rebukes you?

- Do you react or dislike it when people snub you or refuse to take notice of you?

- Do you compare yourself with those around you-- wanting to have more or be better than them?

- Are you quick to give answers with the attitude that your answer is the right one?

- Do you trust in or depend on your own abilities and virtues?

- Do you have difficulty admitting mistakes or asking forgiveness of others?

- Do you lack contentment or are dissatisfied?

- Do you complain or murmur when things go wrong?

- Are you preoccupied with yourself and your plans, goals, and ambitions?

- Do you have a contempt for others? Do you criticize and judge others?

- Are you inflexible?

- Do you have an unforgiving spirit? Do you find it difficult to love others?

- Do you give the impression that you and your family are not experiencing any problems?

- Do you always want to be in control of people and things?

- Do you have difficulty listing to others and/ or God?

- Do you tend to rehearse in your mind past successes?

- Do you tend to live above your means because you have difficulty admitting you cannot afford it?

- Are you quick to correct others, especially in front of their peers?

- Do you have difficulty understanding and believing that God is in control regardless of what is happening?

- Do you have difficulty accepting God's plan for your life with gratitude and thankfulness?

- Do you find it difficult to know God?

- Do you think you are NOT a proud person?