There is nothing uncommon that people take pride in many things such as owning a big house, a fancy car, and personal wealth, success in business, attractive appearance or even to show off a beautiful dress. On a bigger scale, some bigger and richer nations show off their military power and their strength of finance. The list goes on and on. The end result of pride would bring along many detrimental effects such as jealousy, hatred, hostility, hegemony and downfall of a country.
Lewis saw pride as a vice of the “utmost evil” and the chief cause of misery in homes and nations. He called it a “spiritual cancer” that eats up the very possibility of love, contentment, and even friendship.
Pride has been a problem throughout the ages. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God warned the leader of the powerful coastal city of Tyre against his pride. He said the king’s pride would result in his downfall: “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Because you think you are wise, as wise as a god, I am going to bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations; they will draw their swords against your beauty and wisdom and pierce your shining splendor.””
(Ezekiel 28:6–7). “Will you then say, “I am a god,” in the presence of those who kill you? You will be but a mortal, not a god, in the hands of those who slay you.” (Ezekiel 28:9)
In contrast to pride is humility, C.S. Lewis named as a virtue we receive through knowing God. Lewis said that as we get in touch with Him, we become “delightedly humble,” feeling relieved to be rid of the silly nonsense about our own dignity that previously made us restless and unhappy.
The more we worship God, the more we’ll know Him and the more we can humble ourselves before Him. May we be those who love and serve with joy and humility._____________________________________________________________________