Pride

"The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate."Proverbs 8:13

Our Youth group is planning an open mic this Wednesday. The plan is to encourage the kids to speak about what has been happening in their lives spiritually or any questions they may have. These things usually start the same way every time........crickets. Who can blame them? Even adults shy away from speaking to a group of friends about their feelings. I have been thinking about what I could talk about that would be relevent to junior and senior high students. Something to get the conversation started.

Pride came to my mind. I see the sin of pride as being overlooked by adults as well as youths in America today. Our students are taught to have pride. Pride in their team, their school, their community and country. We claim our school to be the best. We gloat at victories. The new term "Swag" is popular which brings a cringe to my ear. If we are the best, what does that say about our fellow schools? Are they lesser beings? Why can't it be enough to win a competition and say to the competitor, "hey, it was fun playing with you, you played well. We look forward to playing with you again." Why can it not be enough to win and be grateful for our God given talents? Students that excel at sports win a medal.  Academic success brings good grades and admission into the school of your choice. Why can't that be enough?

How would the atmosphere at school's change if Christian students were grateful for their God given abilities but have compassion for those that don't win? That don't find schoolwork easy? That aren't blessed with an abundance of "stuff"? It is human nature to want more recognition for our accomplishments.  The consequences of pride are severe. God hates pride. Satan was cast out of heaven because of pride. One of the most quoted verses about pride is Proverbs 16:18 - 19 "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud." Better by God to be found with the "losers" than gloating with the winners.

What does that look like in real life? Our theme verse for the winter retreat coming up is about letting your light shine. This doesn't mean some "light" for which you think makes you an asset to God's kingdom. But a light that shines in a world of darkness, a light that looks different from the world. "For God, who said, 'let light shine out of darkness', has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6.  Next time you begin to boast, no matter what for, think about it and make a decision to look different than those around you. Do your schoolwork, play the game, do your job for the sake of doing it. Not for the glory of men.