OVERCOME THE PRIDE OF LIFE (4)

“God resists the proud, but gives GRACE to the HUMBLE” – James 4:6b

Grace for Humility is available and there are biblical ways to OVERCOME THE PRIDE of LIFE: “God resists the proud, but gives GRACE to the HUMBLE” (Jam.4:6b). Pride promotes strife (vv.1-5). Humility elevates (vv.6-10). All humans, as imperfect and flawed creatures, have their moments of pride, ranging from subtle to overt. The pride of life can be alluring even to Believers in Christ. Some can be so puffed-up and feel too big on account of their possessions or accomplishments. Others boast of their exploits as though they did it all by themselves without God. They feign superiority based on spiritual feats, social status, institutional position, or educational attainment – all expressions of the pride of life. God wants us to reject worldly pursuits as we keep humble before Him and others.

Let’s consider five pragmatic instructions on how to overcome the pride of life.

First, we start by being honest with ourselves and God, acknowledge our moments of pride, be willing to recognize whenever we slip into pride, and let the Holy Spirit convict us of our sin (Jh.16:8). We should learn to reflect on how we act towards other people. Do we behave like we’re better than others? To refuse to see our own pride is to be self-conceited.

Second, we must repent and humbly pray, asking God to help us deal with the tendency to put self-centred desires ahead of following Jesus. Acknowledging pride is a positive first step, but we must also learn to humbly repent and continually ask God for strength to resist old habits. Our Lord Jesus gives us timeless guidance on fighting temptation: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mt.26:41). Pride of life is a persistently tempting sin, but our gracious and merciful God invites us to pray and approach Him with our struggles, so He’ll help us overcome them (Phi. 4:6). He will lend us strength to turn away from the pride of life. But much of this hinge on our own willingness to approach God, instead of trying to fight on our own. The act of surrender is in itself a practice of humility!

Third, we must abide in God’s Word, put Him at the centre of our lives, and make His Word a regular part of our daily routine. David described the Bible thus: “a lamp for my feet, and a light to my path” (Psa.119:105). God’s Word is “living and powerful” (Heb.4:12). It gives us purpose greater than our own fleshly desires. Our heavenly Father speaks to us through its pages as He teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains us in His righteousness (2 Tim.3:16). As we habitually turn to Scripture, we get increasingly familiar with what Jesus calls us to do. This includes learning to walk in humility in the face of prideful temptation. The Bible constantly reminds us why and how to overcome the pride of life.

Fourth, we should learn to talk to trusted mentors, loved ones, or a healthy fellowship group. Pride is a sneaky sin that often tells us that we don’t need anyone else, that we can overcome it all on our own. The truth is, we all need help and encouragement sometimes. Brethren can offer kind support and also gently keep us accountable to avoid slipping into pride. It really helps to know that we’re not alone in the fight: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another” (1The.5:11a). Hebrews 10:25 also warns against neglecting the fellowship of brethren.  

Finally, humility-in-action is a step to overcoming our pride of life; giving time to help others in need; serving the needs of others, instead of just our own: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so” (Pro.3:27). As we share what we have and contribute to the betterment of others, we’re bound to remain humble and to please God (Heb.13:16).

Beloved, let’s learn to give God daily space to work in our lives, as He turns every prideful tendency into gentle humility over time.