5 Tactics to Combat Pride

In our journey of faith, we often encounter challenges that test our ability to maintain unity within our spiritual communities. One of the most insidious threats to this unity is pride - a vice so deeply rooted in human nature that it's often referred to as the root of all other sins.

Today, let's explore how pride can sabotage our relationships, both with God and with others, and discover practical tactics to combat its influence in our lives.

Pride is not just a personal struggle; it's an antisocial vice that poisons our relationships on every level. It creates barriers between us and God, strains our marriages, fractures our families, and sows discord in our churches and workplaces. The book of Proverbs tells us that pride is at the top of the list of things God hates, highlighting its destructive power.

But pride isn't always obvious. It's not just the loud-mouthed braggart or the know-it-all that we need to be wary of. Pride can manifest in subtle ways, often disguising itself as righteousness or concern for others. This is why we must be vigilant, constantly examining our hearts and motives.

Five Tactics to Combat Pride

1. Resist the Urge to Judge Others
   
   

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, reminds us that we are not called to be the judges of others' faithfulness. We simply don't have the ability or authority to evaluate another person's inner world, their thoughts, or their motives. In fact, Paul goes so far as to say that we can't even accurately judge ourselves!

This doesn't mean we should never reflect on our actions or consider our ways. Rather, it's a reminder that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone. He is the only one who can truly see and understand the motives of our hearts.

2. Let the Bible Guide All Your Conduct
   
   

Paul encourages us to "not go beyond what is written." In other words, we should allow the principles and instructions of God's Word to be the guide for our conduct and attitudes. When we stick closely to Scripture, we guard against our own prideful perspectives potentially driving a wedge of disunity.

This principle also applies when we hold one another accountable. We must be careful not to cause division over things the Bible doesn't emphasize, avoiding making mountains out of molehills.

3. Remember Everything You Are and Have is a Gift from God
   
   

Paul asks the Corinthians three pointed questions: "Who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you didn't?" These questions serve as a powerful reality check, reminding us that everything we are and everything we have is ultimately a gift from God.

This realization is a potent antidote to pride. When we truly internalize that our abilities, our possessions, and even our very lives are gifts from God, it becomes much harder to puff ourselves up with pride.

4. Serve Christ with Complete Humility
   
   

Paul contrasts the prideful attitudes of the Corinthians with his own posture of humble service. He describes how he and the other apostles have endured humiliation, sacrifice, persecution, and slander for the sake of Christ. This attitude of humility is counterintuitive to our natural inclinations, but it's essential for combating pride in our lives.

5. Realize the Kingdom of God is Not a Matter of Talk but of Power
   
   

Finally, Paul reminds us that in God's kingdom, talk is cheap. What truly matters is the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through our lives. Pride loves to talk, to boast, to pontificate. But true power is demonstrated through a life transformed by God's Spirit.
There's nothing more powerful than a humble person who excels at what they do. In sports, the quiet ones who performed with excellence were often the most respected players. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, humility combined with the power of God's Spirit working through us is a formidable force.

Practical Application
As we reflect on these tactics to combat pride, it's important not to become overwhelmed. Instead of trying to work on all five areas at once, consider which one God might be highlighting in your life right now. Is there one area where He's calling you to grow?

Take some time to pray about this. Admit your failings in this area to God and ask Him to fill you afresh with His Spirit. Ask Him to raise your awareness of when you're about to step into that attitude of pride, whether it's in your thoughts, words, or actions. Envision how you could respond differently, cultivating humility instead of pride.

Finally, ask God's Spirit to empower you in your ongoing effort to put away pride and cultivate humility in your life. Remember, this is not a battle we fight alone. We have the power of God's Spirit working within us, transforming us day by day into the image of Christ.

In conclusion, combating pride is an ongoing process in our spiritual journey. It requires constant vigilance, humility, and dependence on God's grace. As we work to preserve unity in our spiritual communities, let's remember that everything we are and everything we have is a gift from God. May this realization fuel our humility and deepen our love for one another, creating communities that truly reflect the heart of Christ.

This blog was generated with the help of AI, and is based off of Pastor Brian's February 9, 2025 Sermon: 5 Tactics to Combat Pride.