Today Kyle Idleman continues his description of six verbal symptoms of a prideful heart (Chapter 3, The End of Me).
You may be a Pharisee if . . .
3. you catch yourself saying, “It’s not fair.” Pastor Idleman emphasizes there is a major question here: how do we objectively define fair? A lot of things are going to seem unfair if we feel we are more deserving or entitled than those around us.
Kyle supplies the following clue: if you have a hard time celebrating with others in their successes or victories and if you lack gratitude for the good things in your life, you’re probably suffering from a case of pride. And if you feel entitled and discontented, you have no reason to be thankful for anything.
4. you catch yourself whispering, “Did you hear about . . .” Gossip tends to put others in their “proper” place and underscores how superior Pharisees are. Gossip provides a convenient stepping stone on our quest to be king of the mountain.
5. you catch yourself saying, “I don’t need anybody’s help.” Pastor Idleman observes that the Pharisee in the parable never asks for God’s help. He’s got everything under control and checked all the boxes off- fasting, tithing. The Pharisee is convinced God couldn’t get along without him. Pride blinds us from realizing our desperate need for God. If your prayers are filled with complaint and self-justification, you may have a pride issue.
Today’s question (from Kyle): In what ways do you take ownership of your own humility? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Pride is blinding”
