Why you give in to it: Many times it’s because the world, TV and other media, and many well-meaning people tell you to "believe in yourself."
P.R.I.D.E.
P-Presenting or portraying myself as someone I’m not, Rom. 12:3, Jas. 1:8, Gal. 1:10, Eph. 4:15
Portraying myself as better than I really am indicates that I want others to believe I’m better so they will like or accept me. Portraying myself as worse than I am is also pride, in that I desire someone to say, “No, no, you’re better than that”—I am still driven by the desire for someone to like or accept me.
R-Ruling or controlling others, Mt. 11:16-17, I Kings 21
I can try to control others in an obvious way, by telling them what to do or condemning them in a condescending way when I think they’re wrong. Or I can control others by manipulating them subtly, making statements that will make them feel guilty so they will do things my way. This is pride because I put myself on the throne. I want to be in control.
I-It’s all about ME, Eph. 4:32, Phil. 2:4
When my attitude is that everything has to be my way, or about me, or I want people to feel sorry for me, I am at the height of selfishness. I come across to everyone as “It’s all about me; you don’t matter.”
D-Down on myself for sins God has already forgiven, Gal. 5:1, Eph. 2:1-10, Heb. 8:12, 10:17, Jer. 31:34, Rom. 8:1
When I continue to beat myself up for sins that God has already forgiven, it’s as if I’m saying, “God, the death of your Son wasn’t enough for me; I can do penance or pay for my own sin by beating myself up.” It’s pride because I’m putting my own efforts to atone for myself before GOD’S free offer of forgiveness!
E-Envying someone for something they have for which I’m unwilling to work, Pr. 24:27, Gal. 6:4
Envying something someone else has, yet being unwilling to work for it—or desiring everything to be handed to me on a silver platter, as it were, is also pride. Why? Because I think I am better and that God should reward me for being so good.
Yes pride gets us all into trouble.
ReplyDeleteI have recently came across a good definition of humility that helps me fight pride. The mindset of lowering oneself so that others around you may be lifted up.
Superb acrostic! A lot to consider, and an excellent self test.
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head. It's easy to think of pride as when someone thinks they are God's gift to the world. But, it also shows itself as someone who focuses on their own inadequacies.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading more of your thoughts!