Last week, I talked about how pride and low self-esteem prevent us from participating in all God has for us! Many would assume that pride is NOT an esteem issue, but over confidence. The people in our life that seem the most prideful are also the loudest when it comes to bragging, but this is not caused by too much self-confidence, but a lack of self-confidence. If we ALL were truly confident in the God of creation, we would NEVER have to brag, boast and be self defensive. We would NEVER have to tear others down to build ourselves up, to make us feel better about ourselves. Sadly, we often act proud and arrogant because deep down, we are totally insecure, as we compare ourselves to others.
Galatians 6:3-5
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
So, What… for This Week?
A person who is sure of their identity in Christ never has to “prove” anything to anyone! Those who are confident and know who they are don’t have to brag, look down on others to make themselves feel better, boast, or be defensive when criticized. They can handle it. They are humble. They can admit when they are wrong. They know they are not better than anyone else. To remove pride, just stop comparing yourself with others. If you don’t compare yourself with others, then you won’t have low self-esteem and you won’t have the temptation to be proud!