Beware of the Pride Trap

We are all prone to the trap of pride! The danger of comparing ourselves with others becomes inevitable as we indulge the spirit of pride. What is your favorite flavor of sin? We all have our unique preference when it comes to the particular way in which we indulge our sinful natures. Nevertheless, pride is perhaps the most dangerous of all sin. The reason is simply because pride makes us blind to our true need. Pride causes us to indulge in judging others by comparing them with ourselves. The corrupt pride filled heart hijacks religion to make us feel superior over others. In reality, the only true standard of character is that of Jesus. Compared to Him, none of us come close to measuring up.

However, the publican and the pharisee parable, found in Luke 18, reminds us that religion isn't the problem per se. The parable of the tax collector and pharisee highlights two different attitudes toward the worship experience. The publican is filled with a sense of unworthiness and dependence upon the grace of God while the pharisee stands proudly before God feeling self-confident in his religious and moral superiority compared with the tax collector. The parable describes the pharisee as having 'prayed to himself'. This description highlights the difference between humility and pride in worship. It is impossible to worship with pride in the heart. It is also impossible to see others as our equals while we cherish pride in the heart.

This video was produced in partnership with Hope Channel New Zealand and originally aired on television under the title "More than a Story: The Seeing Blind" (episode 9 of 24).