Pride

 "Father God, please guide me as I write this article based on Your Word. Help me to write this to glorify You, and let Your words bring clarity to those who seek You. May Your truth help people discern and embrace correct beliefs. I pray and seek everything in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen."

Hi there fellow believers in Christ! In this blog, the story would be more extensive than the article. I believe that I have not even been capable of introspection. Up until now, I had been forced to examine my life; however, I could only manage a superficial analysis. Once I discovered a flaw, I felt satisfied and worked towards fixing it, but I never genuinely understood the root cause. I never tried to identify the underlying issues—I hadn't even attempted to be honest with myself.

Steve was a man who had been acquainted with the burdens of pride since his childhood. Early experiences had left deep wounds on his self-identity, and he had come to believe that pride was a necessary shield to protect his fragile sense of self-worth. To Steve, respect was inextricably linked to pride, and he fervently believed that a life without respect was not a life worth living.

As Steve grew older, the spirit of pride took root in his heart, exploiting his vulnerabilities and twisting his perception of what it meant to be strong. He took immense pride in his country - India, the city he called home - Chennai, and his native language - Tamil. His upbringing and the extensive knowledge he had acquired over the years were also sources of pride for him. These aspects of his identity formed a heavy armor that shielded him from the world, yet it also weighed him down, isolating him from those he loved and from the very God who sought to heal his wounds.

Anytime someone dared to suggest that Steve was a prideful man, he would recoil, his defenses rising like impenetrable walls. How could they understand that pride was not just an emotion for him, but a survival mechanism, a desperate attempt to preserve his dignity in a world that had left him feeling broken and unworthy?

But the spirit of pride is a cunning adversary, and it was not content to simply torment Steve. It sought to separate him from the healing embrace of his Creator, from the one source of unconditional love and acceptance that could break the chains of his past and set him free.

Recently, however, a glimmer of hope began to pierce through the darkness that had shrouded Steve's heart. The gentle, persistent whispers of the Holy Spirit had started to stir within him, convicting him of the destructive power of pride and awakening in him a deep longing for change.

The path towards freedom has not been an easy one for Steve. Each step is a battle, and he stumbles often, his resolve wavering under the weight of old habits and familiar patterns. But through it all, he clings to the promise that the Holy Spirit will never leave him nor forsake him, that he is not alone in this fight.

Today, Steve stands on the precipice of transformation, his heart aching for the liberty that comes from surrendering his pride and embracing the healing love of Christ. He cries out for deliverance, his voice trembling with the raw vulnerability of a man who has dared to face his inner demons and refuse to let them define him any longer.

As he looks towards the future, Steve's resolve is strengthened by the knowledge that he serves a God who redeems, restores, and renews. He knows that his story is not yet finished, and he prays that one day, it will be a powerful testimony to the unstoppable force of God's love and the miraculous liberation that comes from allowing His Spirit to work in our lives.

Through tear-filled eyes, Steve gazes at the horizon, a horizon that once seemed bleak and daunting but now holds the promise of a new beginning. With the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit, he will continue to wage war against the spirit of pride, and he will emerge victorious, a testament to the boundless grace and mercy of the God who sets the captives free.

Diving in

As a broken man, I have grappled with pride—a sin that has distanced me from my faith and true self. This journey towards humility has been challenging, but God's Word has provided the strength and guidance needed to overcome the grip of pride in my life.

Recognizing the Presence of Pride

During my time in solitude and introspection—a personal "inner room"—I recognized the presence of pride within me. Scripture warns that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). This revelation allowed me to see how my need for control, defensiveness, and self-righteousness were rooted in pride, and it inspired me to seek change.

The Dangers of Pride in a Christian Life

I began to understand the risks that pride posed to my Christian life. The Bible says, "For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world" (1 John 2:16). Pride led me to rely on my own strength and abilities instead of trusting in God's provision, cultivating a judgmental attitude towards others, and hindering my personal growth.

Seeking Counsel and Implementing Change

With determination to overcome pride, I sought counsel from Christian elders and mentors, keeping in mind that "without guidance, people fall, but with many counselors, there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). They shared valuable advice and strategies for cultivating humility, such as studying Scripture, practicing gratitude, and serving others.

The Ongoing Battle and Hope in God's Grace

Although I still falter at times, I refuse to give up or succumb to despair. I cling to the hope found in the words of the Apostle Paul: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Through God's grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, I am confident that I can continue making progress in overcoming pride.

Wrapping up

To my fellow Christians who may also struggle with pride, I encourage you to join me in seeking God's guidance and strength as we work to replace our pride with humility. Remember, our hope is found in Christ, who humbled Himself for our sake and empowers us to do the same.