The Trump Card to Destruction: PRIDE
The Pride of Moab
The provocative title is intentional. However, I am not a megaphone Christian on the sidewalk (no offense if that is what you do). I am raising my hand here—I have struggled heavily with pride. The times I lost my temper with my kids, wife, friends, work, and the world all trace back to a heavy fuel source: pride. Now that I have confessed to you...
In Isaiah 16:6, the prophet Isaiah condemns Moab for its excessive pride, arrogance, and boasting. Historically, the nation of Moab was known for its self-reliance, wealth, and military strength. They often relied on their own resources, idols, and alliances rather than acknowledging the sovereignty of the true God.
Moab's pride also manifested in its contempt for Israel, as seen in their history of opposing and looking down on God’s people (Numbers 22–24; Judges 3:12–30). Their pride led to rebellion against God, self-exaltation, and, ultimately, their downfall.
What is Pride?
Pride is an attitude of self-importance and self-reliance that exalts oneself above others and, more importantly, above God. In Scripture, pride is often associated with arrogance, boasting, and an unwillingness to submit to God’s authority. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." It is fundamentally the sin of placing trust in oneself rather than God (sources of Pride def: the Bible (Prov. 16:18, James 4:6, Isaiah 14:12-15), Lexical Def, Theological Definitions (Augustine of Hippo, C.S. Lewis).
Pride is harmful because:
It separates us from God: Pride makes us believe we don't need God, leading to spiritual blindness (James 4:6). Spiritual blindness creates a life open only to one's physical sight, leading to a path of following everything the world and the demonic ask of you, ultimately resulting in destruction.
It damages relationships: Pride leads to conflict, selfishness, and a lack of humility. Proverbs 13:10 states, “Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.” When self is in full view during conversations with others—whether they bring trash or love—you can’t properly digest the connection. As a result, relationships become stale and, with pride, often nonexistent.
It blinds us to the truth: Pride prevents us from acknowledging our weaknesses and repenting. When we refuse to admit our shortcomings, we essentially tell others and God that we want to keep jumping off the cliff. The reality is, the edge of the cliff doesn’t get shorter—it grows in height, sometimes even leading to death.
Why is Pride So Bad?
The most significant power of pride is that it distorts reality, making us think we are independent and sufficient apart from God. It leads to rebellion, as we rely on our knowledge and strength instead of trusting God. This was Moab’s downfall, and it can lead to ours as well. The Bible repeatedly warns that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).
Never Finished Challenge
Prioritize God as Your Source: Acknowledge that all your strength, talents, and blessings come from God (Deuteronomy 8:17–18; James 1:17). Humility begins when we see ourselves as dependent on God.
When I first wake up, I sit on the edge of my bed and say these powerful words to God: “Thank you for today’s divine provision (from Jesus’ words on how to pray—daily bread), and I give up my right to have my way” (acknowledging the swelling pride that can arise during the day because someone will be upset with me regardless of what I do, someone will cut me off on the road, or someone will insist on having the last word). This is a practice that the influential and humble theologian and philosopher Dallas Willard followed every morning.
Cultivate Humility: Regularly confess your need for God and submit to His will. This can be done through prayer, studying Scripture, and selflessly serving others. Remember, the more you spend time with Him, the more your faith (trust) will grow, giving you strength, wisdom, and understanding, confessing your need for Him and submitting to His will.
Guard Against Self-Reliance: Just as Moab relied on its resources, it’s easy to rely on your skills or achievements (e.g., in physical fitness, entrepreneurship, or school). Shift your focus from self-achievement to glorifying God in all you do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” What does this look like if you have everything you need? Or when life is going well?
As you clean: Thank you, God, for cleanliness and organization. The universe, nature, and cosmos reflect your divine organization—Wow!
As you make your millions daily: “Thank you, God, for your provision and these resources. Please help me share, give, and shepherd it as you would. It is YOURS. Do with it as you will.”
As you dominate physically: “Thank you, God, for this talent you have given me! Please help me to be kind and considerate to those who experience as they compete. Teach me to learn and grow in the losses. My talent reflects you, so give me the zeal to improve and glorify you.”
Examine Your Attitude Toward Others: Pride often appears in how we treat others. Ask God to reveal any arrogance or judgment in your heart and practice humility by valuing others above yourself. Philippians 2:3–4 challenges, “Don’t be selfish, don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Money, influence, status, and personality type delude unity. Behind all this deadly earthly visage? PRIDE.
Be Quick to Repent: If you notice pride creeping into your life, turn to God in repentance. Confess your dependence on Him and ask for His help to grow in humility. And, include other brothers to sisters in Christ on this journey! You aren’t alone.
By remembering that all we have is from God and living in gratitude and dependence on Him, we can avoid the endless and difficult pitfalls of pride and live lives with deep, eternal purpose, honoring and enjoying Him and others in the process!
For your pocket: Pride comes before the fall.
What does today say about God?
God is p.a.t.i.e.n.t and merciful! Goodness. Exodus 34:6 reminds me: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” This truth doesn’t mean He lets me stay tangled in the weeds. Instead, it means He won’t let me drown when I mess up. As I run back to Him, He continues to pull the weeds, making me more like Jesus—not judging me in the process but unconditionally loving and disciplining me like a father lovingly disciplines his son. Thank you, Jesus!