It’s amazing how many problems in our lives and relationships are caused by pride. For example, sometimes we undertake tasks we are not qualified for or no longer able to do, because we are too proud to accept the truth. Or in our relationships with others, we may not be willing to admit when we are wrong and need to apologise. The worst kind of pride is spiritual pride, when a person does not acknowledge the true state of their heart before God, does not recognise their own sinfulness and need of forgiveness.

1 Peter 5:5 says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humility is the attitude that has God’s blessing.

This week’s Bible reading from Philippians 2 is a powerful reminder of this. Later on in the book, Paul alludes to some sort of disunity/disagreement between two women in the church at Philippi: Euodia & Syntyche (ch. 4). Perhaps that was what led him to write these things in chapter 2:

“[be] like-minded, [have] the same love, [be] one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Pride causes us to look out for ourselves, becoming offended over trivial matters and bringing us into conflict with others. Humility leads us not to insist on our own ‘rights’, but to consider how we can love and serve others. Ultimately, to be humble is to have the same mind-set as Christ Jesus, who, though divine, did not use that power to exploit others, but took on human form, and even submitting Himself to death on a cross for the sake of others (Phil. 2:5-11).

So whether in families, workplaces, the church or our relationship with God, may those of us who follow Christ be willing to let go of pride, and embrace the much-needed attitude of humility.