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A Conversation About Pride
A Conversation About Pride
This conversation occurred while I was working on Bible study homework.
I felt led to write it down, as I so often am.
The Obstacle of Pride-
Inspired by an assignment - Beth Moore Bible Study Breaking Free 2004
A conversation With God Or I'm Breaking, and It Ain't Free. (without cost)
Dialogue directions:
Me speaking in narrative to myself (or anyone else who would listen - you)
Me speaking to God
God speaking to me
I was working on my Bible Study, diligently answering questions, reading the Word,
And enjoying getting closer to God. Then God decided to get closer to me.
He throws in this poetry at the drop of a hat.
I dove into my Bible study, ready for some change.
Just a little tune up, something in my comfort range.
Little did I know, just what the Father had in store -
"Just a little tune up? There's a lot we could restore!"
Page 58 these are my answers to questions regarding pride and how
Pride affects my relationship with God
1. We think we do not need God, and surely the obeying thing doesn't apply to us, because we
think we are already doing it right. (results: separated, distant from God) notice the use of the
word "we," maybe I was a little too prideful to use the word I
2. There is a price to be paid for pride (darkness, stumbling gloom and captivity)
Pride PERPETUATES: denial, fear, untruth, excuses, justification, arrogance, self
righteousness, and self centeredness, and isolation or separateness from God and others.
It is all about ME, and protecting the delusional mindset I've created,
So that I can be right.
Pride BLOCKS: truth, peace, change, growth, improvement, humility,
effective prayer, grace, obedience, and closeness to God and others.
Pride [BLOCKS] the blessing. God tells me clearly that Pride
Is a block. A three dimensional, thick as a brick, BLOCK.
"OK, Lord, moving on to the next page."
"NO!" I heard God's voice speak to my heart.
Apparently I am not done with this page of homework or He's not done with me, on this page.
"Child, let's do a word study."
Now, God speaks to me that it is time for a word study. You see, He has given me this love
Of words and language, so this happens quite often. I bet this is where I learn about pride.
"Child, get the Dictionary! Look up the words."
"Yes, Lord." See how I picked up on the obedience thing?
"Look up pride."
That was probably prideful, huh? I get the Webster's Dictionary.
Pride: 1. a high or inordinate (not within proper limits, excessive) opinion of one's own dignity, importance,
merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in conduct..
Well, let's not candy coat it, OK? But there is more:
2. pleasure or satisfaction taken in something done by or belonging to oneself. Syn: conceit -
implies an exaggerated estimate of one's own abilities or attainments. Vanity: self-admiration and an excessive desire to be admired by others.
And apparently not God - ouch! So it's ME, in the world, just glorifying ME.
Probably not His plan for me, huh?
"Look up arrogant."
See how it starts? One word and then the next, and on and on it goes.
I don't know if I like where this is going though.
Arrogant: 1. making unwarrantable (unjustified) claims to superior importance or rights;
overbearingly assuming, insolently proud.
We all know where that assume word leads us. Yes, I had to look up insolent too.
Insolent: boldly rude or disrespectful, insulting, excessive. Syn: Presumptuous (taking for granted, taking liberties, with unwarranted boldness), haughty, imperious (domineering, dictatorial, or overbearing).
Just lovely. There must be a reason He wants me to see this in print.
Could it be He knows I'm a visual learner? Do you think?
"Look up arrogance."
Arrogance: 1. offensive exhibition of assumed or real superiority.
I guess we can rule out real.
"Lord, could I be done now? You're right, I'll never be done."
"Pride is a but."
"Would that be one or two T's, Lord?"
"Both. Look up but."
OK. I thought I had Him with the spelling thing. He just grinned, and said look it up.
But with one T: But: on the contrary (they did, but I didn't, need this word study), except (anything but this lesson on pride), except, with exception of (no one but me would have to look up all these words), otherwise (I can do nothing but be humbled by this word study). Syn: However, nevertheless, still, yet
(are all words implying opposition).
OK, now I get it. It's my excuse. Pride is the creator of my excuses. Yes, Lord, pride is a but.
"Look up butt."
"You're kidding?"
Well, He's not kidding, He just likes to make me laugh, or He is getting ready to have the last one.
Butt with 2 T's: Butt: v. to strike or push with the head or horns.
OK, headstrong
n. a person or thing that is an object of ridicule, contempt. (butt of a joke) "Mine or Yours?"
n. thick,blunt end probably my thick head n. buttock
See how He is? OK, ass.
"Look up ass."
I can't help it, He makes me laugh.
Ass: 1. sure footed beast of burden.
Seems pretty harmless.
2. a fool, a blockhead.
Very cute.
"Look up burden."
Burden: n. something often repeated, or much dwelt upon.
Got it, captivity, and not very harmless.
I wait a few moments, cause I'm not always sure when He's done.
Okay, let's summarize:
Pride is a block, which blocks the mind and heart, separating us from God.
Thus the blockhead reference. Pride is a but with one T.
But not in my case, just kidding.
When but comes out of my mouth it's time to call the pride patrol.
Pride is a butt with two T's.
Pride is headstrong, makes me the butt of the joke, and thus the thickheaded reference,
and further alluding to the whole ass, burden, captivity aspect of this humbling, yet informative in-
depth study of the word PRIDE. Which, I might add, I would be wise to retain, and not be so
arrogant as to think this did not apply to me, which would be denial,
most commonly stemming from pride.
"Well, Lord, I just can't wait for page 59, just kidding. I know You already know I'm kidding.
I love You. And thanks for kicking my butt, but really, now this is getting just ridiculous.
Really, Lord, thanks for kicking my but, and making it fun.
I'll never forget it. Yes, I know I'll forget it - and I know,
You know I'll forget, and You still love me."
"I will always remember it though, eventually, because You will remind me.
Thank You. Love You too."
God has a sense of humor and He likes a prayer now and then.
Heavenly Father, break the pride off my heart and allow me to be changed,
and grow closer to You. Break the pride off my eyes, and allow me to see myself
as You see me, in Your truth. Break the pride off my ears,
and allow me to hear Your voice. I want to always listen for You.
Humble me, Merciful God, and allow me to be broken
and restored according to Your will and Your plan for me.
In Jesus precious name. Amen.
I know I'm a hard case, but You're God, who can do ALL things, so I'm
thanking You in advance. Besides You must enjoy a challenge... You created me.
Our God is awesome! Studying God's Word is awesome! I'm going to bed.
Good night. "Good night."
"Yes, I love YOU too."
PRIDEFUL or PITIFUL YOU HE'LL be the judge!
See ME in all MY glory!
I just couldn't stop, at the first sign of pride,
God tried to warn me, His counsel denied.
I wouldn't surrender, not arrogant me.
I just wouldn't listen; was too blind to see.
It's going to be painful, when it finally caves in...
In tears, on my knees, Please, forgive me, again.
To humble ourselves, or suffer the bruise.
When the Spirit convicts us, we get to choose.
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