WiM Celebrating Black History | Choose Love Over Pride

Pride is one of those things that we don't want to fall into. The fact is we are all born with a sinful nature that makes us susceptible to the temptation to give into pride unless we are very intentional. Pride can take the form of putting others down who look different from us, or expressing jealousy, envy, greed and, believe it or not, hatred. Pride can make it difficult for us to learn to love and make sacrifices for those who are not close to us, our co-workers or even strangers. Too often we see those in authority not treating everyone as equals and forgetting to be servant leaders. It’s easy for us to fall into similar behavior because this seems to be the status quo, or we get advice from the wrong places.

Remember God is readily available to give us advice for all situations through his Word, godly people and nature. When you take the time to learn God’s way, you will not regret it.

If we read God’s Word He instructs us to love our enemies and motivate love in others. His greatest commandment is love, even in our workplace (Matthew 5:44; Matthew 22:39; Hebrew 10:24). We are unable to do God’s will if we smear characters, judge others wrongfully, use divisive language or if our hearts are hardened.

If I can share wisdom with those coming behind me, it would be that people are watching you and will be quick to say, “I thought she was a Christian.” As followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility to demonstrate love to all people, and especially people who look different from us.

My mother used to say that you get more with honey then vinegar and I am a witness that this is true. In life, Jesus asks us to deny ourselves and follow him. This may mean articulating our thoughts so that we speak with respect and civility, not demeaning anyone. It may mean listening to understand instead of wanting to be understood. This may mean speaking up when you see someone being treated unjustly. It certainly means being professional at all times.

We could all benefit from asking God daily for discernment to more clearly see the hearts and minds of others in order to avoid the pitfalls of pride and actively choose love. Trust God, who is Love, and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6).