{"id":31308,"date":"2022-09-10T15:25:15","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:25:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/pastors-and-the-battle-against-pride\/"},"modified":"2022-09-10T15:25:15","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:25:15","slug":"pastors-and-the-battle-against-pride","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/pastors-and-the-battle-against-pride\/","title":{"rendered":"Pastors and the Battle Against Pride"},"content":{"rendered":"
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash <\/p>\n

By Sam Crabtree<\/em><\/p>\n

We default to thinking so well of ourselves it can be difficult to think God might not think quite so highly of us.<\/p>\n

When others sin, we easily conclude that\u2019s just the way they are generally, but when we sin, we excuse ourselves by saying that\u2019s not really the way we are \u2013 the sin was an exception to our normal goodness. Such is the blinding deception pride inflicts upon us.<\/p>\n

We English-speakers can easily trip over the vocabulary, for the word pride carries more than one meaning in our culture. First, pride can mean finding pleasure in achievement, and there’s nothing immoral about that.<\/p>\n

To do something well \u2013 with excellence \u2013 in the strength God supplies can be quite satisfying. That kind of pride (\u201cDon\u2019t be sloppy, but take pride in your work, son.\u201d) is commendable. <\/p>\n

In this sense, the humble can be proud without sinning. Paul said he labored more than them all; then he immediately gave all the credit to the grace of God at work in him.<\/p>\n

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Second, pride can mean a group of lions. Even the prideful king of beasts doesn’t hunt alone and can be made to run by a charging elephant or the horns of a gnu.<\/p>\n

Third, pride can mean the kind of smugness identified often in our culture as arrogance, or braggadocio\u2014a self-preoccupation that’s either insensitive to others or simply doesn\u2019t care. Often relatively benign, in its more egregious forms it’s abrasive and even oppressive.<\/p>\n

The proud want to get in the last word, one-up the previous story told by someone else, enforce their way of doing things, and ensure they’re given credit for their song or sermon or script. This kind of pride is easier to spot in others than in oneself.<\/p>\n

Pride doesn\u2019t die once, but must be slain daily. What practical steps can be taken to overcome this dangerous blindness?<\/p>\n

1. Listen<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The humble listen. They learn.<\/p>\n

The proud appear to listen, presuming to have already learned. Knowledge puffs up. Be quick to admit you don\u2019t know. Be slow to speak at all. Beware of trying to give the impression you know more than you do. <\/p>\n

One time I heard a pastor say, \u201cI know exactly what to do,\u201d [emphasis his] but when he implemented his solution, it failed, thereby damaging his people\u2019s confidence in him.<\/p>\n

2. Apply<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Apply the suggestions of others. This is a byproduct of listening.<\/p>\n

A colleague heard me give a talk and knew I was scheduled to give the same talk again. She recommended I make changes that seemed to me like a significant makeover.<\/p>\n

Knock knock. Who\u2019s there? Pride. Pride who? Pride that thinks \u201cit\u2019s your talk and not hers, and you know very well what you\u2019re talking about and who is she to undo all your good work and, really, who does she think she is, anyway?\u201d <\/p>\n

God gave me the grace to ask Him to help me slay my stubbornness, and so I took her suggestions. It didn\u2019t hurt a thing, and the subsequent talk seemed to have the advantages she highlighted. It was better, thank you.<\/p>\n

3. Learn<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Learn to defer. Defer gladly.<\/p>\n

In my former job I had jurisdiction over more than 250 employees on the payroll. I had the right to overrule, but rarely did. God helped me learn to hire people better than me and unleash them to do things as they see best, then monitor and give feedback when necessary. <\/p>\n

Years ago I won first place in a nationwide newsletter design contest, yet when my staff designed our publications I didn’t micromanage their designs as though there’s only one way \u2013 my way \u2013 to achieve excellence.<\/p>\n

Find pleasure in endorsing the good work of others.<\/p>\n

4. Let others take credit<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Find ways to give others credit (while remaining happily silent about your own role). Pass out accolades, honest ones.<\/p>\n