Pride vs Humility

Pride is defined as “a high, esp. an excessively high, opinion of one’s own worth or importance which gives rise to a feeling or attitude of superiority over others; inordinate self-esteem” [1]. The Bible has many verses talking about pride.  Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.”  Proverbs 29:23 says, “A person’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.”  There is nothing wrong with being proud of accomplishments, as the sin of pride in Scripture refers to the type that is self-centered, vain, and boastful.

In the world of sports, we all look forward to the finale: the World Series, NBA finals, Super Bowl, or the Olympics. All of these should at one time or another serve as a reminder that the best do not always win. Due to our humanity, we make mistakes.  Rules, often with good intentions, favor one direction or another.  Referees are human and do not always make calls fairly.  Judges do not always judge fairly.  But in the world of sports, the “W” and the medal are all that matters.  More than we would like to admit, those at the top got there not because they are the best, but because someone else played poorly, had bad calls against them, or whatever the case may be. Remember that being at the top does not mean we are the best.  Sometimes it means we were just in the right place at the right time.

The reverse of pride is humility, which means “the quality of being humble or having a lowly opinion of oneself; meekness, lowliness, humbleness: the opposite of pride or haughtiness” [2]. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”   Romans 12:3 says, “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”

The best bosses lead by example.  They are the ones working alongside their employees.  The best coaches teach their players not only how to play the game and win but also teach their players how to lose with grace.  No one wins the Superbowl playing little league. No sports team has ever won from the beginning and never lost.

What does this have to do with life?  Simply put, there is no room for sinful pride in our lives.  Being the boss, winning the game, or getting the promotion does not mean “we won”.  It rarely means we are the best for the job.  We live in a political world where decisions are made to further other’s agendas.  Unfortunately, this even happens in the church at times.

The key to remember here is that there should be no place for pride at the top.  We are always only a couple of mistakes from falling off our pedestals.   A true champion is a servant to others.  They put others ahead of themselves.  They know and recognize their time at the top is fleeting and try to do the most good for others while they are there.

When you find yourself on that mountaintop, thank the good Lord that got you there, but remember, you are at the top to serve others and make a difference.  While there we are role models to younger generations. What are our goals while we are there?  What do we want others to remember?

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