“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18)
We had been in Toronto, hosting a conference. After it was over, Marvin continued on to Orlando and I traveled home by myself. I usually travel quite light, but this time I had my computer and printer with me in addition to my clothes.
At the Vancouver airport, after getting my luggage, I stood at the curb waiting for the shuttle. When it arrived, I struggled getting my bags on the bus. The driver (who happened to be a woman) was impatient with me as she carried one of them on the bus. She remarked to the other passenger,
“They (women) always bring more clothes than they can use.”
Instead of laughing at this remark, I became defensive. She made a wrong assumption and insulted me in the process. I told her,
“I happen to have a printer and computer in the suitcase.”
She just said, “Oh, do you?”
I said nothing more. When we arrived, I told her I would carry my own luggage, thank you! She got off the shuttle and apologized for offending me. At first, my pride standing in the way, I did not want to forgive her.
While driving home, the Holy Spirit convicted me and I confessed my negative reaction and claimed His forgiveness and cleansing (it’s no fun being upset). When, during my hour-long trip home, my pride would lift its ugly head again, I would confess once more and claim His peace and joy.
You see, I really do not want to be known as a self-centered woman - thinking only of outward appearance, and myself, but one little remark by a bus driver showed me how self-centered I am. Pride.
We all sin and when we sin, we often excuse it rather than admit it. It can be little things like a disagreement with your spouse or co-worker, or becoming impatient with a slow driver. Have you been there lately? It is easy to admit it (instead of rationalizing it), confess it and claim God’s cleansing and forgiveness (and peace).
Is that where your attitude is at right now? Let me encourage you to take time to admit it and confess it.
Father, thank You for your Holy Spirit who convicts us of our sin and gives us the will to confess it so we can embrace Your love and forgiveness. Amen.
Home :: Nuggets of Wisdom :: pride - can you swallow yours? 
