The Battle Against Pride
by Erica Cosgrove
Matthew 6:3-4
But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Pride may be one of life’s biggest challenges.
It can wiggle its way into any situation without us even recognizing it as pride. When we adamantly defend a position because we know we are right, pride dwells. When we quickly grow frustrated with someone, pride again dwells. Even in the acts that are supposed to be selfless — our service — we manage to become prideful often enough that Jesus thought it worth mentioning as He taught people about the kind of life He calls us to.
Jesus warns us to not go around proclaiming all the service we have done to other people (Matthew 6:1-2). Then He takes it further in verses 3 and 4 to warn us from puffing ourselves up.
Pride can spark and grow within us when we constantly dwell upon all the things we have done. All the attention we like to turn our way, Jesus asks us to give to Him.
He challenges us to quietly give ourselves in service to Him and to others, knowing that He notices everything.
Though the world may not recognize us for what we do, Jesus does. He promises, “your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:4).
Reflection
In what areas of my service do I tend to foster pride whether outwardly or inwardly? How can I redirect my focus to Jesus?
Prayer
Dear God, Help me to stop feeding my pride by keeping a tally of the service I’ve done. Instead, help me to serve as often as You ask me to, only focusing on bringing You glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
