One of the portions of this booklet that really convicted me was this portion on the manifestations of our pride. Since Stuart Scott lists about 30 of these, I figured it would be best to posts these in increments of six. Here is the opening statements and the first six:
“As we have said, pride is blinding. This fact is why it is often difficult to see pride in ourselves, and yet so easy to see it in others. Here is a sample list of pride manifestations that can easily clear away the smoke of any self-righteousness.”
1. Complaining against or passing judgment on God.
A proud person in a difficult situation thinks, “Look what God has done to me after all I have done for him” (Numbers 14:1-4, 9, 11; Romans 9:20)
2. A lack of gratitude in general
Proud people usually think they deserve what is good. The result is, they see no reason to be thankful for what they receive. As a matter of fact, they may even complain because they think they deserve better. They tend to be critical, complaining and discontent. The proud person is not in the practice of being thankful toward God or others (2 Chron 32:25).
3. Anger.
A proud person is often an angry person. One’s anger can include outbursts of anger, withdrawing, pouting, or frustration. An angry look has been called, “silent murder.” A person most often becomes angry because his “rights” or expectations are not being met (Matt 20:1-16). Another word for anger is moody.
4. Seeing yourself as better than others.
A proud person is usually on top looking down on others. He gets easily disgusted and has little tolerance for differences (Luke 7:36-50).
5. Having an inflated view of your importance, gifts and abilities.
Many proud people have a very wrong perception of themselves. They are a legend in their own mind, but what they really need is a loving dose of reality. They need to hear, “What do you have that God didn’t give you?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).
6. Being focused on the lack of your gifts and abilities.
Some proud people may not come across proud at all, because they are always down on themselves. This is still evidence of pride because one is focused on self and wants self to be elevated. Having a “woe is me” attitude is self-pity, which is pride (1 Corinthians 12:14-25)
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