As mentioned last week we’re counting down our favorite sins! We looked at Anger last week. This week let’s talk about Pride. (Remember, these “Capital Sins” are so named because they are the major spawning ground for much of what ails us.)
Let’s start on a positive vein. There is such a thing as good pride when it comes from the love we have for ourselves and others. For instance, a person rejoices in the accomplishments of themselves or oth- ers that bring goodness into the world. Not only can we be proud of some effort but the talent or virtue that made it happen. “I was so proud of myself. I never gave up trying.”
But good pride knows enough to see itself along side the goodness of others and how we’re all under the authority of God. In fact, good pride rejoices in the achievements of others. (I’m so proud of you!”) We rejoice in the talents and virtues of others.
So what’s sinful pride? When we insolate ourselves from God and the rest of humanity ignoring them or using them to advance my own private goals. Sinful pride rejoices not so much in the ac- complishment but in seeing ourselves as better or higher than others around us.
This kind of pride gives rise to a contempt for lawful authority and for every judgement or value that is not of my own making. (“It’s my life. No one tells me what to do.”)
Sinful pride can cause a hunger to dominate others; to always win the argument, to beat your opponent, to seek prestige over others and lust for people’s applause.
Are you beginning to see how pride leads to other sins as well? How about Envy, Jealousy, and Lust? They all have a prideful origin to them. We compare our talents and accomplishments with others and if we see them as “better” than ours these other sins can follow.
Still there is a healthy desire “to be the best”. In fact
it’s a very good thing. Jesus tells the apostles (Mark 9: 33-36) who were arguing over who among them was the greatest; “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be last of all, the servant of all.” In other words “Do you want to excel in the eyes of God? Do you want to be first among my disciples? Good for you! Now go to the back of the line and wait for everyone else to be first. In fact, while you’re back there waiting, see what the others in line might need.”
St. Paul summarizes Christ’s teaching against pride. “Complete my joy by being of the same mind . . . with the same love, united in heart. Do nothing out of selfishness or pride; rather humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but for those of others.” Philippians 2: 24.
Also . . . “Do you not know all the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? So run to win!” 1 Cor. 9: 24, 25. And the prize? Life with Christ forever.
Bless your race.
Fr. Tim
