Think about some of the things we can become proud over. Things like our academic achievements, the things we own, how popular we are on social media and the job we’ve managed to get. When we’ve worked hard to get to where we are, we need to be on the lookout for pride. Paul asks, ‘Who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?’ (1 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV). So, what should we do? 1) Take a look at our beliefs about who we are, what we have, and what we can do. Jesus said, ‘Without Me you can do nothing’ (John 15:5 NKJV). When we remember that we need God, we keep the right perspective.2) Focus more on others than on ourselves. ‘Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others’ (Philippians 2:4 NKJV). 3) Respect and value everyone we meet regardless of their social status, race, gender, or other factors. When we’re humble, people are more likely to respect us rather than think that we’ve got selfish motives. The Bible says: ‘There are six things the Lord hates…a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people, a mind that thinks up evil plans, feet that are quick to do evil, a witness who lies, and someone who starts arguments among families’ (Proverbs 6:16-19 NCV). Pride is something that the Bible warns against, so it’s something we need to remove from our lives as soon as we spot it.
What now?
Try and develop the habit of thanking God as soon as you’ve achieved something. Treat your successes as God’s successes.