Pride
Pride is at the root of all sin. Pride is the way of our world. Pride unfortunately has become the way of many churches and of many believers. We need to see clearly what Jesus has to say about pride.
In Mark 10:35-45, James and John came boldly to say, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” Jesus really could have rebuked James and John here, but He simply says, “You don’t know what you ask…can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” So what would you have said to this? What would be the Sunday School answer here? At least James and John are not pretending. Their pride is all out there and they say, “We can.”
How often have I requested something boldly of Jesus and then instead of counting the cost, I quickly answer like the disciples and say “Yes I can do that.” Pride is a dangerous thing! But let’s not just pick on James and John. The other ten disciples were just as guilty of pride.
The other ten were indignant (10:41) that James and John had asked for the best spots! I think they were indignant and critical here because they hadn’t thought of requesting the best seats first. You see pride for position and wanting the best spot brings out the “C’s” in us all:
*competing*comparing*criticizing*controlling*
- Pride makes us feel we have to compete with all those around us that threaten our position.
- Pride leads us to compare up and down with others to evaluate our importance.
- Pride leads us to criticize those we can’t control or those who are challenging in our lives.
- Pride leads us to try and control those around us to feel secure and important.
The “C’s” are the way of the world around us, but Jesus has an upside-down plan. Jesus responded in verse 42 by pointing out that it is the world’s way to lord position over others. He moves on to His way and gives simple instructions on how to have the best position in the kingdom in verses 43-45.
- Become great by serving others.
- Be first by being a slave to all--give up your rights so Jesus can be lifted up.
- Follow Jesus’ example and check your attitude with His (Phil. 2:5-11).
- Surrender me, myself, and I in each situation to see Jesus’ plan and picture.
- Surround yourself with His Word. Write down on index cards and post verses like Phil 2:3-11, Mark 10:43-45, or Phil 4:5 all around you to remind you to have the attitude of Christ.
- Seek out mature Christian friends that can speak truth into your life and pray through situations with you.
- Serve rather than be served.