Deceptive Pride

Pride.

The root that leads to all other sins, yet is often concealed to the prideful sinner. In many ways, our very existence is pride. A common misnomer used in society is what we have earned - a term that when used is almost always synonymous with pride. And the connection between what is perceived as earned and pride itself has become quite deceptive to many:

The politician stands in front of an audience and announces the legislation he or she has brought forth, jobs they have created, and education reform that brings about the inevitable applause. It was earned.

The businesses professional speaks incessantly about long term profits, principles unique to their business, the unique ability to produce the best product for the consumer. It was earned.

The athlete from a successful franchise that gives all credence to the culture of excellence within the locker room. It was earned.

The parent who believes their child has achieved success through the upbringing and teaching they instilled in their child from an early age. It was earned.

To be clear, nothing is wrong with having pride in your accomplishments, your work, your business, your team, your children. However, what inevitably comes forth is the lack of self-awareness. Specifically, a lack of self-awareness as to where the ability that leads to accomplishment originated.

The politician almost always neglects to mention where they received the ability bring people together.

The business professional almost always fails to defer credit for the gifts they were provided in order to make their business profitable.

The athlete almost always speaks about their ability, and not where their ability came from.

The parent almost always looks inward, and not to the Son of the Most High.

We all have experienced moments in our lives where we have looked inward at our accomplishments, and lost sight of the fact that without Christ the same accomplishments are not possible, and that without Christ our accomplishments for self-gratification are barren.

I’m certain you can add many other examples with regard to pride, and how easily it can seep into one’s mind. It’s deceptive. But more than deception, pride leads to all other sins. Quite often, our work, our parenting, our intellect, our ability to work with others is no longer about us – it becomes superior to others. We go from being deceived into thinking we have earned our place within the secular hierarchy, to all of a sudden looking down on those who don’t share our same excellence.

An excellence that is often overestimated by our own ignorance, and often leads to so much more. A desire to lift ourselves above others. Truth be told, if we are able to come forth with self-awareness and humility, we can only draw one conclusion:

Pride.

It’s deceptive.