In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5 NIV
In Proverbs 16:18, Scripture states clearly: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” At first glance, this verse often feels distant. Naturally, you may think, “That is not me. I am not proud.” However, this is where deeper reflection becomes necessary.
Instead of generalising, you must personalise the Scripture. When you do so, you begin to see that pride is not always loud or obvious. Rather, it is often subtle, quiet, and deeply rooted in everyday decisions.
Consider something simple. When you attend an event, where do you choose to sit? You instinctively look for what suits you best. If you prefer fresh air, you sit by the window. If you enjoy air conditioning, you position yourself where it benefits you most. In itself, this is not wrong. However, it reveals a pattern—an inclination to prioritise self.
Now, extend this pattern further. In daily life, you are constantly presented with choices. In those moments, you often lean towards what benefits you first. You want the best portion, the best spot, the most comfort, and sometimes even the most attention. Although these actions may seem insignificant, they gradually shape a mindset.
Therefore, pride is not only seen in arrogance or outward display. Instead, it often manifests in the quiet elevation of self above God’s will or other people.
Scripture consistently calls us to a different posture. In Luke 9:23, we are instructed to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Christ. This command challenges your natural tendencies. It calls you to choose God over comfort, obedience over preference, and surrender over self.
Furthermore, Romans 12:3 instructs you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to, but to exercise sober judgement. This means you must continually evaluate your heart. You must ask yourself honest questions about your motives and priorities.
You must begin to pay attention to the “little things.” Although they seem insignificant, they often reveal the true posture of your heart. Therefore, do not dismiss them. Instead, use them as moments of reflection.
Choose, intentionally, to put God first—even when it is inconvenient. At times, this may mean giving up comfort, letting someone else take the better position, or choosing humility over recognition. Although it may not feel natural, it is necessary for spiritual growth.
Living It Out
Build a habit of daily self-examination. As you go through your day, ask yourself: “Am I elevating myself above God or others in this moment?” This simple question can redirect your actions and align your heart.
In conclusion, pride is not always obvious. Often, it hides in the small, everyday decisions where you choose yourself over God. Therefore, the next time you think about pride, do not picture arrogance alone. Instead, look inward and ask: “Am I prioritising myself more than I am prioritising God and others?”