Pride Check

I was raised to be proud of who I am and to take pride in what I do. I’m sure I’m not alone in this. This represents a healthy pride that breeds security and confidence. However, I’m also sure I’m not alone in seeing pride become excessive and turn into hubris and arrogance. And yes, I mean even within ourselves! There is a very interesting exchange between Jesus and his disciples about this. In Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus warns the disciples not to be like those who seek attention and places of privilege.  It’s more than a matter of improper etiquette or looking bad in the eyes of others. He presents it as a condition that has spiritual consequences. The fifth century saint, Augustine, expressed the consequences this way: “Pride is a perverted imitation of God. For pride hates a fellowship of equality under God, and seeks to impose its own dominion on fellowmen, in the place of God’s rule.”  I’ve never thought of pride as that which “hates a fellowship of equality under God,” but this represents the essence of Jesus’ teaching. He told the disciples, “you are not to be called rabbi…, nor are you to be called instructors” (Matthew 23:8,10). In other words, don’t take titles that may lead one to excess pride. Instead, they should see themselves as fellow “students” standing equally before God. This is advice we all need to heed because it creates a condition of equality that allows relationships to thrive. It should also remind us that if we find ourselves pontificating more than listening and learning, it may be time for a pride check!