Transforming Pride into Humility | Christeena Gladson

Humility is something that seems to be diminishing in today’s generation. In a world where self-promotion is glorified and individual achievements are constantly put on display, we often take pride in everything we do. But do we ever pause to reflect on the people around us—their emotions, their struggles, their needs? In our personal success, have we forgotten the essence of true humility?
We are only human—fragile, temporary, and utterly dependent on the breath of life that God has given us. If we cannot exhale what we inhale, that is the end of our story. Do we realize how fleeting our existence is? Most of the time, no.
We live as though we are powerful, prioritizing our desires above all else. The Bible warns against such self-centeredness, teaching us that pride leads to destruction, while humility brings honour (Proverbs 16:18).
When we think about true humility, we must look at Christ. The Creator of the universe, the One through whom all things were made, humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. Why? For you and for me. Philippians 2:6-8 beautifully says this:
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
Jesus, who had every right to reign in majesty, chose humility. He served others, washed His disciples’ feet, and ultimately gave His life so that we could be saved. If the Son of God Himself embraced humility, who are we to exalt ourselves?
Pride: The Barrier to Spiritual Growth
Pride is dangerous because it blinds us to our own faults. It makes us believe that we are self-sufficient, that we deserve recognition, and that we are above correction. But the Bible is clear about pride:
• Proverbs 8:13 – “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech.”
• James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.”
• Proverbs 16:5 – “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”
Pride turns our focus inward—our desires, our ambitions, our achievements. But a life lived for oneself is empty. No matter how much we accumulate, no matter how high we rise in the eyes of the world, pride gains no glory in God’s eyes.

From “Me” to “We”
One of the greatest struggles we face today is the mindset of “ME” and “I” rather than “WE” and “US.” We often act only for our own benefit, without considering how our words and actions impact others. But the Bible calls us to a different way of life:
• Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
• 1 Peter 5:6 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
Humbling ourselves before God does not mean we become weak—it means we trust Him to exalt us in His perfect timing. It means we choose kindness over arrogance, love over selfishness, and service over self-glory.
The Power of Words: Choosing Humility in Speech
Words have the power to build or destroy. How often do we speak without considering how our words might affect someone? A single sentence can break a heart, ruin a friendship, or crush a spirit. The Bible warns us:
• Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
• Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Before we speak, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect. Will our words bring healing or harm? Will they uplift or tear down?
Practicing humility means choosing words that reflect Christ’s love, even when it’s difficult.
It is easy to say, “I live a Christ-centered life,” but true humility is not in words—it is in actions. Living a humble life means:
• Serving others without expecting recognition.
• Apologizing when we are wrong.
• Putting others’ needs before our own.
• Choosing peace over pride in arguments.
• Acknowledging that all we have is by God’s grace.
When we humble ourselves, we lose nothing of true value. In fact, we gain everything—peace, favour, and the joy of walking closely with God. The world may see humility as weakness, but in God’s kingdom, it is the greatest strength.
Choose Humility Today
Do we want to cultivate humility? Then let us look to Christ, the ultimate example of selflessness. Let us examine our hearts and ask:
• Are we living for ourselves or for God?
• Do we lift others up, or do we seek to elevate ourselves?
• Are our words filled with love and wisdom, or are they prideful and destructive?
Humility is not a one-time decision—it is a daily choice. It is surrendering our pride, embracing servanthood, and trusting that God’s way is always better than our own.
So today, let’s choose humility. Let’s choose love. Let’s choose to reflect Christ—not in mere words, but in the way we live
God Bless!!

 

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