There is a difference between the kind of pride that God hates (Proverbs 8:13) and the kind of pride we feel about a job well done. The kind of pride that stems from self-righteousness is sin, and God hates it because it is a hindrance to seeking Him. Psalm 10:4 explains that the proud are so consumed with themselves that their thoughts are far from God: “In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” This kind of haughty pride is the opposite of the spirit of humility that God seeks: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The “poor in spirit” are those who recognize their utter spiritual bankruptcy and their inability to come to God aside from His divine grace. The proud, on the other hand, are so blinded by their pride that they think they have no need of God or, worse, that God should accept them as they are because they deserve His acceptance.
Throughout Scripture we are told about the consequences of pride. Proverbs 16:18-19 tells us that “pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” Satan was cast out of heaven because of pride (Isaiah 14:12-15). He had the selfish audacity to attempt to replace God Himself as the rightful ruler of the universe. But Satan will be cast down to hell in the final judgment of God. For those who rise up in defiance against God, there is nothing ahead but disaster (Isaiah 14:22).
Pride has kept many people from accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. Admitting sin and acknowledging that in our own strength we can do nothing to inherit eternal life is a constant stumbling block for prideful people. We are not to boast about ourselves; if we want to boast, then we are to proclaim the glories of God. What we say about ourselves means nothing in God’s work. It is what God says about us that makes the difference (2 Corinthians 10:13).
Why is pride so sinful? Pride is giving ourselves the credit for something that God has accomplished. Pride is taking the glory that belongs to God alone and keeping it for ourselves. Pride is essentially self-worship. Anything we accomplish in this world would not have been possible were it not for God enabling and sustaining us. “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). That is why we give God the glory—He alone deserves it.
altruistico 
“The kind of pride that stems from self-righteousness is sin…”
Interesting: Pride and humility are opposite sides of the same coin. Either you are humble and meek in your conduct, or you are proud, boastful and self-righteousness in your importance.
This concept, while reasonable in its implications, is revered how in today’s society?
The subjectivity of a social construct such as religion is apparent from the many contradictions found — least of which is pride. To present a historical account of Jesus — humble servant who owned nothing and gave all there was to the poor — is revered as the quintessential example of humble and meek. So much is this reverence, that to be like Christ is to be Christian (hence the term Christ-like).
Is humility and meekness found today? Sure, but not in religion. Today, we have Roman Catholicism — the wealthiest institution on earth. The billions amassed in the coffers of the Vatican are said to be incalculable:
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/wealth-of-roman-catholic-church-impossible-to-calculate
To that, the Vatican is more of a central bank than a central office of humility.
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/how-rich-vatican-so-wealthy-it-can-stumble-across-millions-euros-just-tucked-away-1478219
Was it not mentioned in the bible… something to the effect “It’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of god…”?
Why then is there so much wealth and focus on gaining wealth in religion? If humility and meekness are trademarks of Christianity, then why are churches not simple buildings of modest design and construction? Why are churches towering architectural monoliths of great financial investment?
Perhaps wealth isn’t the issue here. Perhaps modestly and humility as not presenting oneself more important over others is where religion really excels. To that, why does the pope wear lavish garments, stand above crowds with a golden staff and a crown, wearing rings and lavish adornments? Humble for sure. How does people kissing his robe or ring while kneeling before him — not qualify as self-righteous and superior over his subjects? Is this how Christ was? Is this Christian?
Perhaps this is only in Europe. What of religion in western culture?
Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker, Terry Smith, Pat Robertson, Bob Larson to name a few — all share one thing in common: they sell religion for a modest donation. After all, the word of god must be delivered to all the people in the nation, and if that means radio shows, tv shows, and any other commercial venture as necessary in delivering that message, then so be it.
Of course, these wonders of modern technology come at a cost, so it’s necessary to ask for donations to keep the cameras rolling. And rolling they will — in the money that pays for million dollar mansions, luxury cars, trips around the world — all in the name of spreading the word of god — oblivious of any thought for humility.
Pride in one’s faith is the new currency. For in presenting pride in faith, we can be proud in our lavish lifestyles while being sheltered from any tax burden. The Mercedes or Cadillac is not personal pride, but pride in one’s faith. The 100 foot heated swimming pool is not personal pride in financial success, but pride in one’s faith.
This is where so many people drop religion on hypocrisy alone. A “job well done” is as subjective as religion itself. Yet, this is where humanity is told we should learn our morality — through a religion that says one thing, and does another — thanks to subjective interpretation.
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Hello, Drexus;
I agree with you in part and parcel. There is great hypocrisy within the Church. This hypocrisy is not found in God’s Word but within man. I would tell you that there is a greater ill found within the Church than even hypocrisy and that is apostasy. But this apostasy is in no way associated with Christ; but rests solely within the hearts of some men/women within the Church. The fact that there is a darker side in Christianity is not an excuse for anyone to accept the errors of those who water down and dumb down Christian doctrine and paganize Christianity with “New Age” concepts that lead most of Christianity down the path to Laodicea (lukewarm Christianity). And, much of this is built upon lies.
Lying always has the intent to deceive the hearer and protect the liar. Lies have permeated our culture, its celebrated on TV shows. People lie about investments to get ahead in business. It is used in nearly every vocation, even in religion. What you say is true: They lie in the church with false promises so that you give them your money. They brag on how many people are saved and healed, boasting on how God is using their ministry so people are more willing to give their money to them. In fact lying often has to do with only two goals, power and money.
We are in the time of lying, in both politics and religion. The lie is told so easily and boldly and the truth is told so weakly and inefficiently. We have been fed lies portion by portion, piece by piece for so long that the lie has become as the truth. And no one wants to believe lies have encompassed the way the church conducts her practices.
James Dresden said: “When a well-packaged web of lies has been sold gradually to the masses over generations, the truth will seem utterly preposterous and its speaker a raving lunatic.” We are inundated with so many lies we do not know where the truth is found anymore. 2 Timothy 4:2-5 tells us “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.…” And so it has become.
Perhaps the most dramatic proof that America is forsaking its Christian heritage emerges from the history of how the law views Christianity. In 1892, the Supreme Court ruled that “our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian” . Today, the Supreme Court has gone so far in enforcing separation of church and state that, in the opinion of former Chief Justice Rehnquist, it has become antireligious. In a dissenting opinion, he said that “the tone of the Court’s opinion . . . bristles with hostility to all things religious in public life.
I hold the position, Drexus, that there are two main characters in Christendom. There are those who are true Bible believing Christians filled with the spirit and substance of Christ. And to, there are those who “profess” to being Christian and have no substance whatsoever. To the latter rests those of who you and I oppose when it comes to Christianity. The hypocrites, the apostates and the charlatans. For these were never good examples of being truly Christ-like. I have spent a great deal of time posting on the subject of the Word of Faith Movement, name it – claim (etc.), denominations of which are no better than cults and all forms of false doctrine (of men).
There is wide speculation within your comment that the Roman Catholic Church is some how representative of the True Church of whom Christ is the cornerstone. Nothing could be further from the truth. Because the doctrines, dogma and traditions are so varied and different that people, when writing upon the two, denote the differences by calling one “Christianity” and the other “Catholicism.” In no way is Christianity responsible for the accumulated wealth of the Universal Roman Catholic Church nor the manner of which it acquired such vast wealth. To associate the two would be to compare apples to oranges.
Likewise I have said there are denominations within Christianity of which are cults and not sects within the faith. People within Christianity have their flaws, are fallible and subject to temptation. They struggle daily to be more Christ-like and to maintain their faith. To this there is no question. These people can not be held to the same contemptuous nature of which non-believers and some atheists hold the entire Church. But realize that these are not the charlatans, hypocrites and apostates for which you so generally condemn yourself. For you are comparing apples to oranges.
Drexus, it was a pleasure meeting you and having this conversation. I thank you for your comments for they are greatly appreciated.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours.
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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I agree with the explanation of pride here as it relates to God. Good job! Humility before God and man is essential to His favor and our grace for salvation. Thank you for the visit and following my site!
SPJ
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Thank you for your kind comment concerning the post. It is greatly appreciated.
Yes, I have to agree that “Humility before God and man is essential to His favor and our grace for salvation.” You have demonstrated a very good view of the article and of salvation. Once again I thank you for the visit and commenting.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours.
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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A really nice reply, Michael! Oh how the world would have us believe and act vs. God’s way. We need to be those “called out” people, living in the world but not of it! Thank you for reading and the comments…
Steve
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You’re welcome, Steve; and, thank you as well.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours.
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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Very nice! The same blessings to you as well…
SPJ
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It is good that people link with others for the reason that it helps to bring the messages of God to more people. For you sharing this post, my friend, I am deeply appreciative. Thank you. I trust that your readers and followers will gain gospel wisdom and a spiritual uplifting.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours.
Your friend in Christ;
Michael
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You are more than welcome, Michael. I agree that sharing is a great tool for sharing the wonderful message with more people, and that is what it is about.
Bless you much my friend.
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I do agree. Good night to you and yours, my friend.
God bless you eternally.
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I wish to thank you for the link. It is greatly appreciated.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours.
Your friend in Christ;
Michael
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