When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but wisdom is with the humble ~ Proverbs 11:2
Before destruction, one's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor. ~ Proverbs 18:12
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth - a stranger, and not your own lips. ~ Proverbs 27:2
We all know the phrase, "Pride comes before the fall."
But we seem to be a society addicted to pride anyway.
Pride itself is a funny word. It can be both the most wonderful of things: pride in our family, pride in our community. The Pride among LGBTQ individuals is about recognizing the worth of their community.
But Pride can also be dangerous, as the writer of Proverbs attests. When in our Pride for something or someone, we fail to see the shadow side of them, it becomes a problem. This bears out most acutely in our nation when someone who criticizes an aspect of American life or history is deemed unpatriotic. When we have a desire only to see the positive qualities of something, and not the areas that need to be improved, pride is leading us toward a fall. An example of this centers on the desire to remove Critical Race Theory from the discussion in this country. Until we as a nation acknowledge the sins of our past, as well as the systemic racism that continues to exist in most parts of our society, we are stuck in a fallen system.
Humility in accepting our imperfections doesn't negate the good and the wonderful qualities we have. Quite the opposite. Instead it opens up a place for God to work to bring about fullness and wholeness for both an individual and a community.
Holy God, move me toward justice, mercy, and humility in all my dealings with your people. Amen
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