Sneaky Subtle Pride

Even though we don’t like to admit it, we’re all a little more prideful than we’d like to be. But sometimes pride can be tricky. There is subtle pride, and it comes in the form of thinking we don’t need help. Recently, I was overwhelmed at work but refused to ask a co-worker for assistance, even though I knew she wouldn’t mind. I realized that I’ve actually been stifling the Holy Spirit’s work in my life by approaching circumstances with a mindset that says “I don’t need help.” Even when we aren’t outwardly prideful, the subtle pride can slowly creep in and tell us we’re self-sufficient. It whispers to us that we know best and nobody else can help us with our problems. The Bible is filled with examples of the harm subtle pride brings to our lives. In Daniel 4, Daniel interpreted a dream of King Nebuchadnezzar’s that said he would live like a wild animal if he did not renounce his sin and begin to be kind to the oppressed: “Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, ‘This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes’” (Dan 4:31-32).

But King Nebuchadnezzar didn’t think he needed God. He continued the lavish and sinful lifestyle he had grown accustomed to – pride told him that he didn’t need to submit himself to God’s authority although he was given a full year to change. Twelve months later, all that Daniel had interpreted came true and King Nebuchadnezzar was quickly humbled.

The book of Daniel is filled with many examples of the dangers of pride like this one, but also what can happen when we live humbly submitted to the Lord’s plan for our life. Daniel could have been prideful time after time when God saved his life, yet he remained fully submitted to God’s authority.

Many times, when subtle or not-so-subtle pride creeps into our lives, we have a chance to change. The simple acknowledgement that we are not self-sufficient can be the first step to remove the pride in our hearts. But it’s not always easy. Our culture encourages an attitude of “I can do it myself”, yet Scripture reminds us that we’re sinners in need of a Savior, and our process of sanctification is ever ongoing.

Let us remember to take notice of where in our lives are we relying on ourselves and repent of our pride and turn to Jesus.