The ‘mother’ of all sins is a “proud look.” God hates this sin above all others because it describes people who are so full of pride that it shows in their eyes. “The Worst of All Sins – Part I” touched on the Description of pride, and the Dangers of pride. Today’s concluding Part II deals with the Destruction of pride.

Only one thing can destroy pride in our lives and that is humility. Humility is more powerful than pride, forcing pride out of our hearts. How do we become humble? The following three things will get the ball rolling…

1. Recognize pride in your life – Our sin-nature blinds us to pride in our lives. Jeremiah says, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked; Who really knows how bad it is?” (17:9). God knows!

Arrogant people are unaware of pride lurking in their lives. Because the human heart is so deceitful, we need to pray… “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (David. Ps. 139:23-24). To recognise pride in your life, ask God to show you and then be quick to confess and repent of it (c.f. 1 Jn. 1:9). All of it!

2. Remember the source of all your blessings – A man said to another, “I earned everything I have with these two hands” to which the other replied, “Who gave you those hands? Who gave you your mind, your talents, and your abilities?”  First Timothy says, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (6:17). Live daily with a thankful heart for the things God has given to you.

3. Replace selfishness with service – The best way to eradicate pride is to ‘deny yourself’ and live a life that serves others. Do not live for yourself!

Just hours before His crucifixion, Jesus and His disciples observed the Passover which He transformed into what we know today as the Lord’s Supper. As Jesus and His disciples were taking part in the supper, Luke recorded in his gospel account, “Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest” (22:24). Hearing the prideful debate among the disciples as to which of them was the greatest, Jesus got up from the meal, wrapped a towel around His waist, poured water into the basin and washed their feet, drying them with the towel He had around Him(Jn. 13:5).

Friends, the Creator of the universe washed dirty feet just hours before He was crucified! The Son of the Living God did for His disciples what they were too prideful to do for Him or for each other. The disciples were astonished their Master served them as a foot washer. When Jesus had finished, He said to them, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them” (Jn. 13:12-17). If opportunity was presented, washing feet is what the humble would be happy to do for others.

How fortunate we are that Jesus didn’t have a problem with pride? That is why He humbled Himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross! (Phil. 2:8).

The ultimate ‘model of humility’ is Jesus Christ. He didn’t have to prove anything or impress anyone; therefore, He was free to serve others. Pride is a sign of insecurity, and insecure people cannot serve others because they want to be served or be in the spotlight. Pride is dangerous and deadly, harming us; spiritually, relationally, emotionally, and financially.  

The worst of all sins can be removed from your life right now through recognising pride in your life, remembering the source of all your blessings, and replacing selfishness with service. It was Solomon who said… “Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility before honour” (Prov. 18:12).

Humility is ‘the’ narrow gateway to godliness and blessedness. Humility is appropriated through a repented heart and bent knees at the cross of Calvary. Humility is a choice… a daily choice!

Bill