The Dangerous Reign of Pride
God’s Word repeatedly warns of the prominence of human pride and self-exaltation with such precise phrases as “Pride goes before a fall…” (Proverbs 16:18) and the journey of mankind into dangerous times through “They will be lovers of self…” (2 Timothy 3:1-12). These references set the stage for knowing that men will be susceptible to the influence of pride, and God warns of the outcome. Despite reading these truths, one could still ask, “Why is it dangerous for people to take pride in themselves and their personal views?”
In the 1970s, young boys were fascinated with the stunt motorcycle phenomenon “Evil Knievel” (Robert Knievel). He would make these fantastic jumps, and then we would go out with our Big Wheels and our souvenir baseball batting helmets to set up jumps at the end of our sloped driveways. Our plans were grand, but our equipment was not designed for this! Eventually, all of our Big Wheel trikes had square wheels, and our helmets cracked. Imagine that! Yet, we were surprised! Our pride told us we could do it.
Pride is not limited to the whims of kids trying to impress neighborhood friends with their daring stunts. In 2023, a major media network unveiled a June marketing slogan built around the theme of “Pride Is Universal.” This bold claim was followed by several “Pride is _______” statements attempting to present pride as not simply a response or feeling but an entity with authority and a requirement of adoration. Strangely, this sounds like the false promises in Genesis 3 (paraphrased): “You deserve the opportunity to do and feel what you want just like a god. Your self-fulfillment will be your life and allow you to determine your truths.” The serpent presented a lie, and Adam and Eve quickly believed they could be like God. This first act of disobedience led to the fall of man.
Three Reasons Pride Brings Danger
Since the fall of man, we have all been vulnerable to the sin of pride. Elevating oneself above God can lead us down the dangerous path of idolatry. Let’s explore Romans 1:16-32 and find three dangers of pride.
- Pride chooses its own truth and object of worship. Romans 1:25 (paraphrased) “…exchanged a set of truths from God for our version of the truth, which we now form our worship upon.” Is this truth and new way able to bear the weight of your soul and life needs? What is the cost?
- Pride closes your heart to correction or reproof. “We suppress the truth of God and focus on our comforts and desires. Gratitude is replaced by resentment.” We surround ourselves with those who support our behaviors and thoughts. There is much anger or hurt with anyone who would question or not accept our way. Let’s consider again what happened when Adam supported Eve’s behavior and also chose to disobey. Shutting the door on correction from God’s Word and those rightly walking with God will only lead to further destruction.
- Pride increases the weight of anxiety “A new god/object of worship is set up with ourselves as the high priest.” Even knowing God, we find ourselves in a position of choosing our desires above honoring Him. We now must be right in our ways and quiet the angst in our hearts, ignoring the removal of God’s peace and presence.
Pride stirs resentment and separation instead of sacrificial love and humility to lift others. We are warned of this as Paul shares that men will be lovers of themselves and proud. (2 Timothy 3:1-4) Instead of being a partaker of God’s atonement for my sins and living under His grace-filled rule, pride’s reign results in God’s wrath. Pride puts one outside of God’s mercy and entirely under the Holiness of God with only our works and ideas in our defense.
Our culture is being extremely honest in promoting and celebrating what Romans 1:18-25 warns will be our grief and demise. Our culture boldly says, “Pride in my ways should apply to every area of my life no matter what I believe or what anyone else says. Exalting myself should be celebrated in every area of my life and desires!” We apply god-like expectations to our experiences and desires as our rights and delight. God very clearly has called this idolatry. Idols are created and designed first in our hearts (Ezekiel 14:1-5) and are put together to give us something to touch, feel, and see in our worship. (Isaiah 44:9-20 is a fascinating evaluation by God.)
A Word of Hope from a Man Once Full of Pride (Philippians 3:1-10 and Acts 9)
Paul (previously called Saul) was once so proud of his status and lifestyle and angry with all who disagreed with his choices. It is a fascinating story to read these Bible passages about his life and dramatic transformation. Paul has four critical observations about exalting pride and allowing it to reign in our lives.
- You will never be enough or the best. Many people boast about various things, but someone will always be more than you.
- Our occasions for pride fade or become obsolete. Everything about our lives, accomplishments, and bodies is diminishing and passing from significance. We do not know how long any of these things will last.
- We need an eternal Savior of our souls. Our pride in self is a barrier to receiving forgiveness from Jesus Christ, the One who humbled Himself, dying for our sins and rising from the dead so we can be brought back to God.
- True joy can only be found when I abandon pride. Joy is in the treasure of a close relationship with God through Jesus Christ, evidenced by the full commitment of my devotion and possessions to Him instead of me. Everything in my hand and heart then is expendable to gain this! Paul says, “I want to gain close fellowship with God through Christ and nothing less… no matter what I have to give up.” (Phil. 3:7)
We again consider the question, “Why is it dangerous for people to take pride in themselves and their personal views?” The evidence is clear. There is a real danger in thinking we know better than God or that we can elevate our ways above His ways. We are all susceptible to the dangers of pride. The good news is that we can have everlasting hope in the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ, offering us restoration to a Holy God. Are you willing to abandon your search for yourself to find true fulfillment in a relationship with Him?