Pride and Self-worth

It isn't very fun to discover that my behavior often stems from the idea that "I know the right way, so I am doing it that way." One of my favorite teachers asserts that those who have to always be right in any given argument or situation are acting out of pride, and before they can really have any significant transformation in their lives, they must deal with that spiritual blockage. (moan)

I often say, "I'm proud of ..." It may be my children, my work, my writing, my progress, etc. Some might say I have a "right" to be proud of those things. When I consider that Jesus is living in me, that all I do is a reflection of His work, I have no right to be proud, only extremely grateful. It is HIS presence in my children's lives that make them the man and woman they are. It is HIS inspiration and motivation to press on that enables me to accomplish any worthwhile goal, be it creatively or in the physical realm. I am only a vessel, a cracked pot as it were, and as such there is nothing in me other than Christ to be "proud" of.

However, there is much to be grateful for, and as I discover words and ways to demonstrate my appreciation for all that God has done in the lives of my family and myself, hopefully my pride will subside and be replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude and praise for His magnificent love, grace and mercy--none of which can I lay claim to on my own merit.

I have learned there is a difference between pride and self-worth.  Pride is a self-righteous feeling that comes from things I do.  Self-worth is an awareness of who I am in Christ and the great value God places on my life because Jesus has given me to His Father.  Pride rejoices in behavior and situations I feel responsible for, but self-worth is not related to anything I can do; only the awareness that the creator of the universe thought enough of me to make sure every good thing was available to me without my having to life a finger to get them.   

May your heart be touched by the immense value God has placed on your life.  In response to that great love may you in turn reach out to others with all your gifts, talents and encouragement.