I have a confession: I’ve been arrested by the “pride police” on many occasions.
By this, I mean I’ve been caught red-handed in major acts of mom hubris. I grin widely, giggle with glee, and feel that much better about myself when my kids get recognized at school or in sports. With toddler-like gusto, I post their accomplishments to social media, anxiously awaiting “likes” and comments.
Before I go any further, know that, in my opinion, celebration and pride are two very different things.
Celebration is totally acceptable and something God wants us to enjoy. The key is to give all the glory to Him. We’ve only arrived in Problemville when that gladness gives way to human superiority. When our identity shifts because of that achievement. When we give ourselves the glory instead of God.
Now that we have that established, let’s jump back into my impending arrest…
I revel in the glory of achievement and the approval of others. I’ll take a good pat on the back – in almost any form – any day.
But after the rush inevitably fades, I find myself drained – physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Then I ask myself: “What was so great about that?”
That’s God’s way of starving my pride monster. I know it’s what I need, but don’t always want.
What is a pride monster?
He’s that snarly, scaly little critter who puffs out your chest and creeps into your heart to feast on your insecurity. He’s the evil gremlin who clutches your neck so you’ll stick your nose up to gasp for high-brow air. He’s the Enemy’s child and he’s always on the prowl for souls in need of earthly recognition.
I wish I could say that my pride monster, after many forced fasts, looked more akin to a shriveled gremlin instead of a fluffy moguai, but in the interest of full disclosure, he is somewhere in between. Just when I think I’ve deprived him of all nourishment by praying, Facebook fasting, and Bible study, he tilts his pitiful little head and thinly squeaks, “Feed me!”
I try to ignore his cries and tune them out with prayer, but he’s a tenacious little thing, ripping at my unbelief, reminding me how good that initial rush of recognition feels.
Then, I remember His Word…
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
The creature finally goes quiet. I breathe in and lean back into God’s arms. But I know he will be back and I’ll be arrested again. It’s just a matter of time. It’s just part of being human and the reason why we need God. Every minute. Everyday.
Reflect:
- What do your “pride monsters” look like? What are yours?
- What verses or prayers do you use to starve your “pride monsters?”
- How can you invite more humility into your daily life when “pride monsters” invade?
Dive Deeper: A Platform of Pride. First 5, Day 11, Covenant Plan.
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Loved the light hearted way you wrote, but also the seriousness of it too! The metaphor of having that pride monster is right on! Wish it was longer!
Hi Maggie! So glad you stopped by today! Glad you enjoyed my little post! Thanks for the feedback too! Maybe I’ll do a follow up piece later?! Looking forward to exploring your site today!
I really liked this post! Great reminder- especially about the difference between celebration and pride. Wow, it’s easy to get caught up in pride! Even our “insecurities” can be pride.
Thanks for the post!
Hi Lindsey! Thanks so much for stopping by today! So glad to know I’m not the only one with pride monsters! Heading to your site now!
Our world feeds that pride monster within us… especially with the temptation of social media to elevate ourselves. We have to be really alert to this desire to ‘think more highly of ourselves than we ought’. Our pattern is Phil 2:1-11. thanks for this reminder!
Hi Karen! Such wise words you shared! Yes, social media feeds that voracious pride monster beast! Thanks so much for stopping by today! I look forward to checking out your site too! Blessings!
Spot on! Our first child has special needs, so I found myself early on looking for ways to celebrate every small accomplishment, but when it came to our next child, celebrating turned into full-on pride. Yuck.
Hi Mary! Totally agree! Our kiddos with special needs (my oldest also has special needs) keep us grounded, but it is so easy to “fall off the humility wagon” with our typical kids! Thanks so much for stopping by today!
And, if you’re comfortable, I’d love to hear more about your experience as a mom of a kiddo with special needs! You’re welcome to use my CONTACT page to share privately! Also, if you haven’t already, you may want to read my SOUL TO SOUL post about communicating with my daughter with special needs. Blessings!
Hi Allison. Thank you for inviting me to view your new blog. Your posts are inspirational and needed reminders and I appreciate being a part of your new community. I am glad you offer a web-based version too, in particular because I am not on social media. Speaking of which and relevant to this topic, I must admit, sometimes I do feel that twinge or urge to join Facebook, but your post today reminded me it is often not for the right reasons (Pride monsters vs. Celebration). For me, this is a fleeting urge, because I have to stop and ask myself what is my motivator for sharing. Another reason, I think is because often these sites/”celebratory posts” happen to make me feel insecure and even dare I say the other monster (Green-eyed monster of jealousy) will show it’s ugly head and I have to remind myself to not compare myself to others, but to really try to be the best ME that I can be at the current time. I do have to “check myself” sometimes and really ask myself what the motivation is for “sharing.” …….Thanks again for your thoughts and reflections. I hope you all are doing well!
Hi Allison! So great to connect with you today! Love your insights… You’re so right… social media can challenge our humility and appreciation for all that IS good in our lives… sometimes to the breaking point. You’re so wise to ask what your motivation before sharing! Hope to see you back on the blog again!
Hi again Allison! You’re so right… pride and jealousy can attack us so easily through social media! Thanks again for visiting and your support! Glad we can connect online! Miss you!
Such a vivid illustration! I’ve been studying the difference between pride and confidence in the Bible with my husband and can’t wait to share this with him. Thank you!
Hi Again Bethany! Love that you’re studying pride vs confidence! Can’t wait to hear what you learn on your blog!
This is a great post, Allison! I love your creative take on it 🙂 I’m sharing this on FB and Twitter. So very glad to meet you at She Speaks!
Thanks so much, Sarah! Means a lot coming from you! Love your blog and so thrilled we met at She Speaks too! Only wish we could have spoken longer!
Allison, after our time together over the weekend, I dropped over to your blog, and it’s beautiful! I love the message of this post. Especially as we delve into things like platform and networking, it’s easy for the pride monster to rear its head. My prayer for us both is that we will keep our eyes on Christ and offer our lives as ministry unto him! Blessings to you, friend!
Hi Stacey! Such a pleasure meeting you at SS! So glad you stopped by today so we could reconnect!
You’re so right! Networking and platform building can threaten our humility, but centering ourselves in Christ is our best defense. Thanks for the reminder!
I can’t wait to visit your blog! If it reflects the kind and gentle person I met last week, I know I’m in for a treat!
Looking forward to sharing your work in the SS 2017 Link Up here on my blog! Should be live later today or tomorrow! Blessings to you on your writing journey!
Allison, so proud of what you are doing and look forward to reading more! Cheers from Colorado!
Evelyn
Hi Evelyn! So thrilled you’ve stopped by! Thanks so much for your support! Continued prayers for you and your family! You guys have been through it, but are moving forward with flying colors! Love ya, girl!