A Classic Case of Pride

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. ~Romans 12:16 (KJV)

Being the bookworm that I am, as soon as I saw the word “pride” for the theme this month, I thought of one of the many classics written by Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of reading this thought provoking story, it’s about two characters in particular, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. One from a lower class and one from a higher class, they allow their biased perspective to mar how they view the opposite class with pride and prejudice. Throughout the story, you see actions made through each biased point of view. In the end, they both realize their faults and end up falling in love. (The plot twists are phenomenal. You should give it a try.)

Although this story is contemporary, the principles of pride that are reflected in the characters are the same in the Bible. Pride causes you to focus solely on yourself; it fogs your thought process and elevates yourself above others. It’s difficult to have a Christ-minded attitude and think of others when you’re being consumed by pride. Pride creates an ego that overshadows every aspect in your life.

The Bible says in James 4:6 (KJV) that, “…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” God blesses those who have a humble spirit; He mentions them several times throughout the Bible. Another example is found in Proverbs 29:23 (KJV), “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” To God, it is better to have a humble spirit than a proud one.

How can we keep our mind and heart focused on God? How can we keep ourselves focused on the needs of others? We can do this by continually praying for a meek and humble spirit. We can ask God to keep our prideful natures from controlling how we think and act.

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Jessica Ruckel

Jessica is an aspiring writer who is originally from Texas, has lived in many states, but currently resides in South Carolina.She graduated with a degree in Creative Writing from Bob Jones University. She loves finding the beauty in small things and traveling whenever the opportunity arises. She enjoys an eclectic variety in both reading selections and music. When she’s not working or writing, she loves spending time with her fiancé.

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• A Classic Case of Pride - September 10, 2018