The Perils of Pride
In our fast-paced, achievement-oriented society, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of accolades and recognition. We often find ourselves striving for titles, awards, and the praise of others. But as we reflect on the teachings of Jesus and the wisdom found in the Bible, we are reminded that true greatness is not found in these external validations. Instead, it lies in humility and service to others.
The Trap of Seeking Recognition
“And as they did, they did it for men to see. They wanted to be known by their titles, by their praise. They expected to be seated among the honored guests.” (Matthew 23:5-7)
This passage highlights a common pitfall: the desire for recognition and the validation from others. It’s a natural human desire to want to be acknowledged for our efforts and achievements. Working hard will often result in those things. However, when this desire becomes the driving force behind our actions, it can lead us down a dangerous path.
The Pharisees, as described in the Bible, were often guilty of this. They performed their religious duties not out of genuine devotion to God, but to be seen and praised by others. They sought the best seats at banquets and the most prominent positions in society. Their actions were motivated by a desire for status and recognition, rather than a sincere commitment to serving God and others.
The Dangers of Pride
Pastor Jim said, “Which means as we look at that example, you and I must be careful that we don’t allow accolades and achievements to puff us up or we’ll blow up.”
Pride is a subtle but powerful force. It can creep into our hearts and minds, distorting our motivations and leading us away from the path of humility and service. When we allow our achievements and accolades to define our worth, we risk becoming arrogant and self-centered. This not only damages our relationships with others but also hinders our spiritual growth.
The Bible warns us repeatedly about the dangers of pride. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” When we become consumed by pride, we set ourselves up for failure and disappointment. Our inflated sense of self-worth can lead to poor decisions, strained relationships, and ultimately, a fall from grace.
The True Measure of Greatness
Jim goes on to clarify: “The recognition awards are not a bad thing, but they should never be about the award itself. It should be about “why” we are doing it. God’s perspective is different. He says that true greatness comes when we serve and honor God in doing that.”
While recognition and awards can be meaningful, they should never be the primary motivation for our actions. Instead, we should focus on the “why” behind what we do. Are we striving to excel at what we do? Are we seeking to glorify God and serve others? Or are we simply seeking to elevate ourselves?
God’s perspective on greatness is radically different from the world’s. In Matthew 23:11-12, Jesus says, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” True greatness, according to Jesus, is found in humility and service. It’s about putting others before ourselves and seeking to emulate God in all that we do.
Jesus’ Example of Humility and Service
Jesus’ example that he set was to be a servant.
Jesus is the ultimate example of humility and service. Despite being the Son of God, He chose to live a life of humility, serving others and putting their needs before His own. In John 13, we see a powerful demonstration of this when Jesus washes His disciples’ feet. This act of service, typically performed by the lowest servant in the household, was a profound lesson in humility and love.
Jesus’ entire ministry was marked by acts of service and compassion. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the brokenhearted. He taught His followers to love their neighbors as themselves and to serve others selflessly. By following His example, we can cultivate the same self-less spirit in our own lives.
Personal Reflection and Application
As we reflect on these teachings, it’s important to examine our own hearts and motivations. Are we seeking recognition and praise, or are we genuinely striving to be of service to God and others? Are we allowing pride to dictate our actions, or are we humbling ourselves and putting others first?
Here’s How to Know:
- Examine Your Motivations: Take time to reflect on why you do what you do. Are your actions motivated by ego and a desire for recognition, or are you genuinely seeking to serve and honor God?
- Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude by regularly thanking God for His blessings and acknowledging the contributions of others. This helps shift the focus away from ourselves and onto God and others.
- Serve Others: Look for opportunities to serve others in your community, church, and family. Acts of service, no matter how small, can have an incredible impact on both the giver and the receiver.
- Seek Accountability: Surround yourself with trusted friends and mentors who can help keep you accountable and provide guidance and encouragement in your journey toward humility and service.
- Pray for Humility: Regularly ask God to help you cultivate a humble heart and to reveal any areas of pride in your life. Prayer is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and transformation.
Things to Think About
How have you struggled with pride in your own life? Are you striving to be more aware of when that attitude begins to show? Commit to being aware of feeling superior to others and to quickly recall Jesus and his words about service. Search for things that other people do that you can praise them for.
By understanding where true greatness comes from, we can align our motives and actions to be more like Jesus. Let’s commit to following His example and be of service to others.
Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to join us in this Sunday. Together, we can experience God’s Grace and share the love of Jesus with those around us.
