I recently heard someone make this statement, “A man wrapped up in himself is not a pretty package.” The thought has stuck in my mind because it rings with such truth. It has been my observation that pride has no boundaries, it crosses over into all age categories, all levels of “success.”
I must admit it is so easy to be wrapped up in myself. My agenda, my schedule, my desires, my plan, my message, I could go on and on. Oh, did I tell you I’m pretty sure the world revolves around me! Isn’t this a pretty package?
Don’t we all need to be reminded about the destructive dark force of pride? We expect men who have achieved certain levels of success to be targets of pride. But success can be defined in the mind at all levels and maintained with pride. Let me explain, a pastor of a small rural church is just as susceptible to being wrapped up in himself with pride, as the pastor of an urban mega-church.
Solomon captures this problem by simply stating, “The crucible for silver, and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.” Proverbs 27:21 (NIV)
How are you handling your success? The great example of a man wrapped up in himself and not being a pretty package would be Peter. Look at what he writes as his life was coming to a close, “Humble yourself, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” I Peter 5:6 (NIV)
This is simple profound truth written by a man who knows a lot about “success” and a whole lot about pride. Simple truth, truth that sets us free!
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