Tag: self-awareness

A Painful Reminder

Carl Pollard

Pride is the downfall of our faith. So many spiritual battles could be won if we learned to swallow our pride and let humility take its place. The following is a list I compiled of what pride can lead to if left alone in our lives. Pride leads to…

  • Self-Sufficiency

    Pride often leads us to rely on our own strength and understanding rather than seeking guidance from God. This self-sufficiency can create a barrier to faith, as it undermines belief in the need for support from our Father. Pride leads to…

    • Arrogance

      When pride takes over, it can lead to arrogance, causing us to dismiss the teachings and wisdom of others, including spiritual leaders. This can create a disconnect from church and those we are called to follow. Pride can lead to…

      • Spiritual Blindness

        Pride can blind us to our own flaws and shortcomings. This lack of self-awareness can hinder personal growth and the ability to seek forgiveness, which are essential components of faith. Pride can keep us from handling…

        • Conflict with Humility

          God’s Word emphasizes the importance of humility. Pride stands in direct opposition to this virtue, making it difficult for us to embody the values that our God desires. Pride can lead to…

          • Isolation 

            Pride can lead to isolation from others, as it fosters a sense of superiority. This isolation can prevent us from engaging in worship and support, which is vital for reinforcing faith. Pride will cause…

            • Resistance to Change

              Pride can make us resistant to the transformative aspects of faith, such as repentance and growth. This stagnation can lead to a crisis of faith, where we feel disconnected from our belief in God.

              In essence, pride can create barriers that prevent us from fully engaging our faith, leading to a weakened spiritual relationship with God and those in His family. 

              The Bible clearly says: 

              • Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” 
              • James 4:6, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
              • 1 Peter 5:5, “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.'” 
              • Proverbs 11:2, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” 
              • Matthew 23:12, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” 
              • Galatians 6:3, “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” 

              It is not a stretch to assume that you may be struggling to submit in the areas of life that God has asked of you. Let go of your pride, and faith will take its place.

              “Quit Yer Whinin'”

              Wednesday’s Column: Third’s Words

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              Gary, with his wife Chelsea

              Gary Pollard

              I think we’ve all been in the uncomfortable position of witnessing a couple loudly arguing in public. Whether this is at a restaurant, the store, a gas station, or any other public place, it’s downright uncomfortable. Some thoughts going through our minds might be, “Where’s their self-awareness?” or, “They might need to see someone about those issues,” or, “Why here?” We definitely would not want to spend too much time with anyone whose conflict resolution abilities are so classless. Conflict in a relationship is unavoidable and, if handled properly, is vital to the health of a relationship. Poorly managed conflict, though, is sure to destroy it! 

              Unfortunately, the world is seeing this more and more. Petty arguments between Christians over matters that have absolutely no bearing on our eternal destination are commonplace. Which Bible version is best? What will heaven be like? What should we wear to worship? Which college should one attend (“that college is liberal/conservative”)? Should we meet in a building or in homes? Should a Christian wear a head covering or not? Should a Christian celebrate certain holidays or not? Should a Christian carry a gun or not? Who should I vote for? 

              These are topics I have seen debated in the ugliest possible ways in public forums, whether live or over social media. There is nothing wrong with disagreement handled in a godly way (Matthew 18.15-20). In fact, it can help grow the church because it often brings members closer together. However, when the argument is both non-essential to salvation and is handled unbiblically, it destroys the church. 

              If I may be very blunt, this must stop. Our behavior is not only pushing the world away but generations of the church’s own members as well. When a Christian’s blocked list on social media is primarily members of his/her own spiritual family, we have reached concerning levels of dysfunction. I realize that this is not a pleasant article to read, but it is time for us to make a change. 

              It is time to stop writing or sharing articles on inflammatory or controversial topics that have no bearing on our salvation. Religious keyboard warriors and trolls need to quit. People of authority and position must stop using their voice to divide and discourage the bride of Christ over non-essential matters (some examples are listed in the second paragraph). We will be held accountable for our words and influence over the body of Christ at judgment. 

              When we inevitably find ourselves in disagreement with another Christian over a matter of opinion, we should either handle it privately and with patience and love, or let it go entirely (see Romans 14, I Corinthians 8, Matthew 18, Philippians 1.27, 2.1-5; 2.12, 2.14, 15; 3.17-19; 4.2). Being correct or winning an argument at the expense of peace is not worth losing our souls. This article is just as much for myself as it is for anyone reading this. It is for everyone. 

              Around 156,000 people die every day (that’s about 56,000,000 people per year) and most them die outside of Christ. Our time is limited and our influence precious. Our words are among the most powerful tools and weapons ever created. Let us use them well, as they could very well influence someone’s eternal destination – or our own.