From Pride to Humility

That’s the name of the 27 page excerpt from “The Exemplary Husband”, by Stuart Scott, I have been reading. Such a small book, but such a powerful impact on me.

Mr. Scott talks about humility – what we cannot do without having it, and pride – how we cannot have it AND have humility on the same issue. Among his writing are manifestations of both pride and humility. It made me sad to see how prideful I really am.

Okay, so here are the 30 manifestations of pride he speaks of. I have included the explanations for the ones that aren’t (subjectively) self-explanatory. Scripture shown is what he uses to support his list. Some look to be repetitive until you look at the scripture supporting it.1. Complaining against or passing judgment on God. (Num 14:1-4, 9, 11; Rom 9:20)
2. A lack of gratitude in general. (2Chron 32:25)
3. Anger. (Matt 20:1-16)
4. Seeing yourself as better than others. (Luke 7:36-50)
5. Having an inflated view of your importance, gifts, and abilities. (1Cor 4:7)
6. Being focused on the lack of your gifts or abilities. (1Cor 12:14-25)
7. Perfectionism. (Matt 23:24-28 )
8. Talking too much. (He explains that this is often because the speaker feels what they thing/say has more importance than what others have to say.) (Prov 10:19)
9. Talking too much about yourself. (Prov 27:2; Gal 6:3)
10. Seeking independence or control. (Some find it extremely difficult to work under someone else’s authority. “My way or highway”, “I don’t need accountability”, “I don’t need other’s help” are common sayings of these people.) (1 Cor 1:10-13; Eph 5:21)
11. Being consumed with what others think. (Continual persuit of gaining approval, trying to impress, basing decisions on what others might think… man-pleaser instead of God-pleaser) (Gal 1:10)
12. Being devastated or angered by criticism. (Prov 13:1)
13. Being unteachable. (Knowing all there is to know about something, anything.) (Prov 19:20; Jn 9:13-34)
14. Being sarcastic, hurtful, or degrading. (Quite often “cleverly done through jesting”) (Prov 12:18, 23)
15. A lack of service. (Quite often because they wait to be coaxed or serve until they no longer feel praised enough and then leave service.) (Gal 5:13; Eph 2:10)
16. A lack of compassion. (Rarely concerned for others or their concerns.) (Matt 5:7; 18:23-35)
17. Being defensive or blame-shifting. (They make light of their shortcomings by pointing out others. Always try to explain away their sin.) (Gen 3:12-13; Prov 12:1)
18. A lack of admitting when you are wrong. (A proud person will make a great many excuses such as, “I was tired,” or “I was/am having a bad day.”) (Prov 10:17)
19. A lack of asking forgiveness. (Proud people rarely admit their sin; nor can they bring themselves to be humble enough to ask forgiveness for things they have done.) ( Matt 5:23-24)
20. A lack of biblical prayer. (Proud people pray little, if at all. Prayers usually center around themselves and their desires, those things beneficial to them.) ((Luke 18:10-14)
21. Resisting authority or being disrespectful. (1Pet 2:13-17)
22. Voicing preferences or opinions when not asked. (Who wouldn’t want to know what THEY think about it?) (Phil 2:1-4)
23. Minimizing your own sin and shortcomings. (Matt 7:3-5)
24. Maximizing others’ sins and shortcomings. (Luke 18:9-14)
25. Being impatient or irritable with others. (A proud person might be angry with others because they are concerned their own schedule or plans are being ruined.) (Eph 4:31-32)
26. Being jealous or envious. (Often have a hard time being glad for other’s successes or blessings; especially if they do not enjoy the same benefit.) (1Cor 13:4)
27. Using others. (Views others in terms of what people can do for them or their interests.) (Matt 7:12; Phil 2:3-4)
28. Being deceitful by covering up sins, faults, and mistakes. (Will do just about anything to keep others from finding out negative things about them.) (Prov 11:3; 28:13)
29. Using attention-getting tactics. (Draws attention to themselves through dress, bizarre behavior, rebellion, always focusing on their issues.) (1Pet 3:3-4)
30. Not having close relationships. (Often have no use for close relationships, as the trouble outweighs the benefits. Many shallow relationships.) (Prov 18:1-2; Heb 10:24-25)

Tomorrow I’ll share his manifestations of humility. The good news is that you may see yourself in some of these, too!

Awed at God’s patience for me….

-Robin