Does good pride exist?
Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. ~ Mark 15:16
Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m proud of my kids,” or “I take pride in my work?” or even “I was so proud of my self for getting that done?” Those phrases are so common that we rarely stop to think about them. But have you ever wondered why Scripture consistently warns us about pride?
The Bible never presents pride as a virtue but rather is warns that the Lord hates it and it brings destruction. The reality is that scripture continually points us toward humility.
Why? Because pride quietly shifts the focus from God or others to ourselves. Pride whispers, “Look what I’ve done.” Humility says, “Look what God has done.”
As Jesus stood before the Roman soldiers, He gave us the greatest picture of a humble spirit the world has ever seen.
The entire garrison gathered to mock Him. They dressed Him in purple, pressed a crown of thorns onto His head, spit on Him, struck Him and made fun of the King of kings.
Yet Jesus never demanded His rights. He never defended His reputation. He never called for angels to rescue Him. Instead, He willingly humbled Himself because He loved us.
Philippians 2 tells us: Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.
Isaiah says: it pleased the Father to bruise Him because through that sacrifice salvation would come to the world.
Jesus wasn’t humiliated because He was powerless, He humbled Himself because He was obedient. There is a tremendous difference. Humility is strength under God’s control.
Here are some important points to consider when you feel a sense of pride coming on:
- Thank God for every success instead of taking the credit yourself.
- Celebrate others without comparing yourself to them.
- Look for opportunities to serve quietly without needing recognition.
- Ask God to expose any pride hiding in your heart before it grows.
One thing I’ve noticed is that pride is sneaky. It rarely walks through the front door announcing itself. It usually sneaks in wearing a disguise called “I deserve better.” Or “I’ve worked so hard for this.” That’s why we need the Holy Spirit to continually search our hearts.
Start here:
- Thank God for something you’ve accomplished.
- Encourage someone else’s success.
- Look for an unnoticed act of service.
- Ask God to search your heart for pride.
Today I want to encourage you to choose humility every day. Follow Jesus’ example by serving others, giving God the glory, and remembering that every good thing in your life comes from Him. Humility doesn’t make you weak. It makes room for God’s strength to shine through you. There is no greater compliment than hearing your heavenly Father say, “Well done.”
Today’s scripture reading: Mark 15:16-20
16 Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison.
17 And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head,
18 and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
19 Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him.
20 And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.
Journal:
- Where am I tempted to seek recognition?
- Am I quick to give God the glory?
- How can I serve someone today?
- What does humility look like in my current season?
- How has Jesus modeled humility for me?
The Daily Dose 