The paralysis of Pride by Deon Crafford

1 Corinthians 4:7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

Martin Luther described sin as an inward curvature on self (Incurvatus in se) or in simpler terms, our tendency to constantly place ourselves at the centre of our existence. Many people in the Christian faith would suggest that they no longer suffer this scourge and yet it is so tragically untrue. Despite my claims of “Christ in me”, I keep falling for the lure of being someone or something special. Our insatiable self-esteem requires constant nourishing so that we maintain a state of “mental health”. Even in pursuing humility and doing good, pride seeps through as we cannot but slap ourselves on the back in selfie-admiration. In the sadness of it all, comes the truth – if God recognises me and if Jesus Christ picks me to be the beneficiary of His sacrificial blood, I am affirmed beyond any further need. While my pursuit may be elevation and recognition, the one truth remains … I am forever a recipient of grace. That alone should kill my pride.

Love to all