Q. Pride?

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. ~ 2 Corinthians 10:12 TNIV 

Why do we compare?

• Let’s compare notes.
• How does this compare to our competitors?
• Compared to thus and such…
• The two don’t even begin to compare…

Comparison can be both good and bad. Take taste and smell. We generally know how certain food items taste and smell, if either of these is off, we know there is danger. This could be called a healthy comparison. However, we tend to hear ourselves and others comparing one another’s looks, manners and abilities and this is not wise.

Many comparisons stem out of pride and this too, can be good and bad. Pride by definition is an inordinate state of self esteem; it is also, a reasonable or justifiable state of self-respect. Compare, if you will, these two examples:

1. The latest movie release is about a character consumed with pride and vanity.
2. As parents of the valedictorian, they showed great pride in their child’s accomplishment.

Whatever we do must be to the glory of God. The apostle Paul reminds us:

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. ~ 2 Corinthians 11:30 TNIV

God, Himself spoke on boasting.

This is what the Lord says:  “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let those who boast, boast about this; that they understand and know Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. ~ Jeremiah 9:23-24 TNIV

For it is not those who commend themselves who are approved, but those whom the Lord commends. ~ 2 Corinthians 10:18 TNIV

If pride is the question, humility is the answer! ~ Kim

p.s. "Humility will relieve you of the obligation to promote your own self interests, thereby eliminating the need to strive to prove yourself to others." ~ Unknown