Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
We all have an element of it in one form or the other, a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements or possessions, consciousness of one’s own dignity. Yet no one wants to accept but easily see it in others. We know the disease, but we don’t recognize the symptoms in our lives. And that’s why we need the insight of our spiritual Great Physician to reveal symptoms of pride and rescue us from it. Yet there is hope for every proud heart through Jesus Christ. Immanuel-God with us-condescended to live among us, die for us, and raise us to new life. He never owned a shred of sinful pride-no fear, entitlement, ingratitude, people-pleasing, prayerlessness, hypocrisy, or rebellion.
Jesus is God, equal yet emptied himself of all he deserved to save us from our pride. He who was entitled to the highest honor forfeited it for our redemption.
It’s because of Jesus’ humility that we can be forgiven of our pride. That’s both the sting and joy of the gospel. It deals with our pride by destroying it, reminding us that life is not about us, and that we deserve only the wrath of God for our sin. Jesus Christ also deals with our pride by taking the just punishment for it upon himself at the cross, that we might be renewed in the image of our Creator (Colossians 3:10) and made humble like our Savior.
It’s been said that the talent we have, is given from above so why the puffing up? The fame we derive from it is earthly bestowed, it has never lasted, it fades away, why allowing it to get to our heads? Being humble, kind, and calm is the “right thing to do.” But if that isn’t enough to convince you, consider this: humility, kindness, and calmness can actually help you get ahead in life. Jesus is our rescue from the eventual shame and disgrace of pride (Proverbs 11:2), let’s be humble.