Don’t Let Pride Have a Foothold!


“Pride separates us from God and from the purposes He has for us. Only through humility can we walk in the ways God has intended us to walk.”

— Rebecca Bracey

Pride is a silent adversary that can infiltrate our hearts and lives, often unnoticed. In today’s achievement-driven society, we value self-sufficiency and personal success above all else. This can overshadow the humility that fosters genuine submission to the Lord, and promotion by His hand. Have you ever felt pride taking root in your life? If so, you’re not alone… consider the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar’s reign was marked by grand construction projects and the consolidation of power, making Babylon one of the most formidable kingdoms of the ancient world. However, Nebuchadnezzar’s story is not just one of triumph but also that of profound humility.

Consider what he shares in Daniel 4:34-35:

“At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified Him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: ‘What have you done?’”

Despite recognizing the greatness of Daniel’s God, Nebuchadnezzar’s heart had remained unchanged. He continued to harbor pride in himself and his kingdom, illustrating that mere recognition in God doesn’t provoke submission to Him. Because of this, the prideful king was humbled by an Almighty God.

Understanding Pride

Pride, from a biblical perspective, is more than just a feeling of self-importance; it is a deeply rooted sin that can distort our perception of ourselves and our relationship with God. Pride manifests in various ways, such as arrogance, vanity, and an inflated sense of one’s abilities and achievements. Though it might seem harmless, or the norm in today’s culture, consider warnings such as Proverbs 16:18 which states, “Pride goes before destruction,” revealing the inevitable destination of pride.

In today’s world, pride is rampant. Society often glorifies self-sufficiency and the pursuit of personal success, encouraging individuals to rely solely on their abilities and achievements. This emphasis can lead to an inflated ego and a diminished reliance on God, fostering a belief that we need nothing from Him – or we can do things without Him. However, this illusion of independence is misleading. Our very life comes from God (we are just dirt without His breath), and recognizing our dependence on Him is crucial for maintaining a humble and grounded spirit.

The Enemy’s Tool: Promoting Self-Sufficiency

Pride is a tool of the enemy, designed to make us believe that we are self-sufficient and independent of God’s grace and guidance. This belief can lead to a disconnect from our Creator, as we place our trust solely in our own thoughts and intentions rather than in His direction and provision. The illusion of independence fosters a mindset, like Nebuchadnezzar, that we can enjoy God’s blessings without submitting to His lordship.

When pride takes hold, it blinds us to our true dependence on God. We may excel in various areas of life, but without acknowledging God’s active role, our achievements become hollow and meaningless (see Ecclesiastes 1).

God’s Perspective on Pride

God sees everything—our thoughts, motives, and the intentions of our hearts. Nothing is hidden from Him, and He is fully aware of the pride that may reside within us. However, God’s response to pride is not punitive but redemptive. He desires to transform our hearts and help us overcome pride through His love and grace.

Psalm 138:6 reminds us, “Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly.” God values humility and promises to support those who humble themselves before Him. When we submit and surrender our pride, God entrusts His miracle-working power to us, lifting us up and giving us purpose. James 4:10 AMP beautifully captures this promise: “Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].”

Pride separates us from God and from the purposes He has for us. He intends for us to reign WITH Him, not apart from Him. He desires that we partner WITH Him, not independent of Him. He has given us dominion, but when we yield to pride we abdicate our position of authority. Only through humility can we walk in the ways God has intended us to walk.

Overcoming Pride: Cultivating Humility

Humility is essential for overcoming pride and reclaiming our rightful dominion. Humility involves recognizing our limitations, admitting our need for God, confessing where we fall short, and valuing others above ourselves. It is a continual process of self-examination, repentance, and submission to God’s will.

To cultivate humility, we must first humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our dependence on Him. This is a daily process that requires us to continually maintain a proper perspective. Consider taking the following steps: 

1. Self-Examination and Confession

Regular self-reflection helps identify prideful attitudes and behaviors. Confess these to God and repent of this thinking to receive healing and transformation.

2. Cultivating a Humble Attitude

Develop habits that promote humility, such as serving others, practicing gratitude, and listening more than speaking.

3. Seeking God’s Guidance and Strength

Take time to pray and meditate on Scripture and seek God’s guidance and strength in overcoming pride. Trusting in His power rather than our own fosters genuine humility.

A Call to Humility

Take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where pride may have taken root. Are there attitudes or behaviors that need to be surrendered to God? This week, commit to implementing at least one step toward humility—whether it’s serving someone in need, practicing gratitude, or seeking God’s guidance through prayer. Share your journey with others, and support each other in the pursuit of a humble and God-centered life.

Let us not allow pride to have a foothold in our lives. Instead, let us embrace humility, trusting that God will lift us up and guide us toward His eternal dominion.

Blessings on your journey toward humility and grace!

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