Take Pride?

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A friend of mine who is a pastor reminded me about the topic of pride and God's feelings on the matter.  His thought that he shared online got me to thinking about the subject of pride and that's what today's post is about.  

From an early age, I was taught the right thing the wrong way.  I was taught to take pride in my work but the meaning behind that sentiment was that I was to do the best job at whatever I was doing and find satisfaction that I had accomplished the best I could.  That puts the focus of satisfaction on me.  Look at what I did.

In thinking about pride, (what pride month is all about is another matter in and of itself), and the phrases we use in association with the word, I thought about taking pride.  The phrase taking pride kind of insinuates that pride is something to be taken, and if it exists as something to be taken, who are we taking it from?

And that leads me to think of the many things God says about pride in the Bible.  One of the starkest is where God says He opposes the proud,  in 1 Peter 5: it says,

  "5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the   humble.”

Having lived absolutely enough of my life in opposition to God, I find the words of Peter frightening.  God opposes the proud.  So, pride's got to go.  I can't take pride in anything.  What I can do is serve God with right motives, doing the best I can with the gifts and abilities I'm blessed by Him with, and give Him the glory for doing things well.  I work as unto the Lord, so my best effort is what's expected.  

Take pride?  Be proud?  No, thanks.  It's not worth it.


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