There are two kinds of pride. The good kind produces self-respect, dignity, satisfaction from a job well done and joy in seeing others succeed. The bad kind produces conceit, arrogance and an attitude of superiority that we call egotism. Pride is easily detected in others and difficult to see in oneself. Pride is a barrier to progress in every area of life. It prevents us from seeking help, admitting wrong, assuming responsibility and it blocks the ability to change. Pride is one of the Seven Deadly Sins that takes hold in many lives and can easily destroy, but with God’s help pride can be broken and the road to humility and peace can be found.

Scriptures
Js 1:17, 4:6, 4:10; Is 14:13-14; Pr 26:12, 10:17; 13:10; 29:25; 20:27; 28:13; 16:18; Matt 5:5; Rm 12:3; Gal 6:4; 1 Cor 4:7; Ph 2:3-5

Verse
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (Js 4:6) Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (Js 4:10)

Thought
1) Admitting weakness is the first step in overcoming pride and starting on the path toward humility. 2) Evaluate your strengths. Be realistic about the gifts and talents you have and about the ones you don’t have! Work on the areas where you are weak and be satisfied with your accomplishments without comparing yourself to others. 3) Enjoy your success. Everything comes from God. Enjoy and appreciate what he has enabled you to do. 4) Serve others; live unselfishly. Studies indicate that those who are self-focused are more likely to be depressed, while those who serve others find greater purpose and satisfaction. Living beyond yourself can lift you out of depression. 5) Choose humility. Humble is a verb. You must choose to think, act and speak in humble ways. When you choose the path of humility, James 4:10 states that God will lift you up. The way to up is down!

Questions
What are some of the good ways you feel pride? What are some of the bad ways you tend to show pride? How does being around a prideful, arrogant person affect you? Who is the most humble person you know? Why do you see this person as humble?

Response
Commit yourself to serving selflessly. Find a way to serve where you won’t be praised or commended for your service. Look for opportunities to value others above yourself.
Determine to be more keenly aware of the way you treat others and respond to them. Practice humility.

Prayer
Father, I thank you for the gifts and talents that you have given me. I know that everything I have and am comes from you. I take pride in your love for me, in my relationship with you, and in my relationship with others. Help me serve you and others with a humble heart. May your Holy Spirit fill me with love for others and keep selfish pride far from me. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.