Pride appears among people in various forms, but much less apparent as outward arrogance. It is where the root of it is the hypocrisy that says, “I am superior” or “I am above this person, situation, or circumstance.” It is the absence of love.
“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” – Luke 20:46–47 NASB
In Luke 20:46-47, there is this spectacle of greater condemnation among those who hold themselves in higher regard than others. Where from these is an abiding expectation of due honor and recognition of status. So, by contrast, Jesus speaks of necessary humility from among those who are His.
Imagine being resentful while appearing before God at the judgment because felt rewards are not in keeping with your service, obedience, and work for His kingdom and glory. Rather instead choose this spirit and mindset, “the joy of the humble does not reside in being deserving, but in receiving mercy.” As those who are His are yet considered saints and unworthy servants in and of themselves. [1]
Jesus calls our attention to three specific sources of pride. Self-rule, merit, and pleasure by feeling superior to others or above others. In contrast, individual prideful outcomes turn up unwanted behaviors, sour outward emotions, or counter-productive inward thoughts of defiance, entitlement, and superiority.
As we crave the praise of others, it affects our purchase choices, where we choose to live, our pursuits, lifestyles, where we sit in a meeting, or by what title we put in front of our name. Not that these efforts, things, or appearances are wrongful in themselves, but instead that there is a distinct presence of love for them. So often, we get feelings of superiority because of what value or conclusions they can produce within us.
(Matt 23:4-7, 12, Luke 18:11-14, Matt 5:3, Matt 6:1,5, 16, Luke 20:46-47, Luke 17:10, Luke 22:25-26, Matt 11:30)
A heart of a servant requires a willingness and humility to do lowly service.
Therefore, it is because we are as unworthy servants who deserve nothing good that we must have unending gratitude for the joy and mercy received from God. Moreover, through Jesus’s parables, illustrations, warnings, and teachings, we carry ourselves having that conviction that there is a permanent war on pride.
[1] John Piper, “What Jesus Demands of the World” (Crossway, Wheaton Illinois), 129
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