The Pride of Life

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            So, the "pensées" series continues with this idea, the pride of life. This topic is coming from my personal life and thoughts and has plagued my mind for some time now. This is not directed at any particular individuals but rather at myself in hopes that my experience (and, in this case, failures) can help direct those who read this.
            To ground this discussion, I want to provide a Scripture reference, 1 John 2:15-17, which states, "15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life— is not from the Father but from the world. 17The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever." The portion highlighted in red is the portion that has plagued me for some time. Firstly, I do not attempt to live my life according to this idea of pride, but instead, it seems to lie dormant until called upon by circumstances.
            Now, the particular circumstance that I have in my mind is the last argument my wife and I had. The content of the argument is irrelevant, but it is the reaction of myself that is. Typically in these interactions, I try to prove the point that I am right. But why would I think that I am right? Is it because I am educated? Is it because I am the "man of the house," so it is implied that I am (right)? No! I believe it all comes from the pride of life. I have pride in MY intellect, in MY rightness, in MY position. All of these things seem to me to be an excuse to hide the true culprit for negative reactions or pressing a meaningless issue, "pride."
            This is not to make people feel bad for my wife or myself, but I think this is an aspect of human living that is probably pervasive. I also do not believe this is strictly limited to a "man" kind of problem. This pride of life issue is a human problem. Why else would these bifurcated (i.e., split) groups which we see in our society be vying for power? Let me be clear; I am not talking about groups seeking to be treated fairly or justly within the culture. The groups I speak of may have started in such a manner, but it has transformed from equality into struggling to take over the system. This is the pride of life. It is going beyond what is good and right and trying to be on top (regardless of the moral justifications for the cause). Humans tend to take our thoughts, attitudes, moral uprightness, and pathways as infallible (when the pride takes over).
            I am guilty of this pride more times than I can recount, and I feel ashamed that it has taken me until this point in my life to recognize the evil seeds of it. Satan is steeped in pride. He wanted to be God; he wanted to take over because he "knew" how to do it better or thought he was right (notice a commonality here)! When we allow ourselves to be taken by the thought that we are right, we will die on that hill of rightness no matter the hurt we cause; we act like Satan's children.
            The first step is recognizing that we do have this problem. Once we have a diagnosis, only then can treatment begin. I genuinely believe, as Christians, that our only treatment is total submission to Christ. This is not only an act of the will, but it is a practical activity as well. What I mean is, we may resolve it in our minds, but these thoughts can fade over time. What is required is to actively and purposively move towards the goal of submission. Satan's problem is that he did not distinguish between "being" God and "being like" God. We should all strive to be "like" Christ. But we should never think that we can take over his position. So, the moral of the story is, if you find yourself struggling to live out the Christian life. You must examine if you have limited your devotion to your thoughts only or have you also resolved to add the practical element. Intentions alone, without a plan of action, remain in the mind. We cannot progress if our thoughts remain unseen. All of our thoughts must be laid bare for all to see, so they know to whom we are devoted. Be Blessed.
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