Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble

God is pretty clear in his word about his opinion of pride.


Leviticus 26:19
I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze.

2 Chronicles 26:16
But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

Psalm 10:4
In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

Isaiah 2:17
The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,

Pride keeps us from right relationship with God.

It is not surprising to me that the first people Jesus chose to bless in his beatitudes were the poor in spirit, because without humility, we won't approach God with fully open arms. That first step towards Him must be one of humility - because if we keep back that smidgen of pride, we will always be in competition with God, trying to prove ourselves, or gain for ourselves, or keep for ourselves, or position ourselves.

Yet - humility is not valued here in our country. We are told to "climb the corporate ladder", take care of our family, strive for the American Dream, build our fortunes. All the values of our culture require some form of pride in our character.

So, is there an acceptable level of pride in our hearts? Can we grow in relationship with God and still have some level of pride in ourselves?