This is an interesting idea that you have brought up. The idea that pride is the other side of fear. I could not see that at first. Probably because the relationship is not direct. I think sometimes when we fear, it can lead to hate. When we hate someone, we see them as less than ourselves. We see ourselves as better than them. And there is the pride.
But it is important to realize that not all fear is connected to pride. Sometimes fear is directly related to a very great weakness as a result of a profound brokenness. Physically and/or mentally.
But fear and pride can look very similar outwardly. So we need to be careful about judgments. It is better to have no judgment. This can be fostered by a spirit of humility. And humility is the truest opposite of pride.
It’s so wonderful to see a Christian sister or brother talk so openly about their own pride. It’s such a rare experience. I wonder why. Pride?
I can’t help wondering how much the average Christian understands about their own pride. It’s a human problem. And yet our pride tends to make us want to think that it is only Satan who wanted to ascend to become a God. No. We all want to be God. Yes. Even as Christians. That doesn’t change. It is behind every sin.
But when the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, maybe it would be helpful to not just confess and repent. We should rejoice that the Holy Spirit convicts us of our transgressions. It is about God’s great love for us.
Dec 2, 2023·edited Dec 2, 2023Liked by Christy Isinger
I always think about Dietrich Bonhoeffer who wrote in one of his letters that "a prison cell is a good analogy for Advent" because it was such a shocking statement when I read it - but the way he explained it - it made complete sense:
"One waits, hopes, does this or that—ultimately negligible things—the door is locked and can only be opened from the outside.”
Anyway, it just reminded me of your thoughts here and how this can be a time to be brutally honest - a time to uncomfortable - as well as delightfully festive (I say as I look at my up-too-soon Christmas tree!)
Oof - I'm really feeling this. When I realized that pride was the other side of fear, that really woke me up.
I keep being annoyingly surprised that pride is behind the emotions that I like to nurse along that make me miserable...
It has us everywhere we turn!! This is probably why Screwtape Letters remains one of my most impactful books of all time.
This is an interesting idea that you have brought up. The idea that pride is the other side of fear. I could not see that at first. Probably because the relationship is not direct. I think sometimes when we fear, it can lead to hate. When we hate someone, we see them as less than ourselves. We see ourselves as better than them. And there is the pride.
But it is important to realize that not all fear is connected to pride. Sometimes fear is directly related to a very great weakness as a result of a profound brokenness. Physically and/or mentally.
But fear and pride can look very similar outwardly. So we need to be careful about judgments. It is better to have no judgment. This can be fostered by a spirit of humility. And humility is the truest opposite of pride.
Thank you for the mention!
Anytime!
It’s so wonderful to see a Christian sister or brother talk so openly about their own pride. It’s such a rare experience. I wonder why. Pride?
I can’t help wondering how much the average Christian understands about their own pride. It’s a human problem. And yet our pride tends to make us want to think that it is only Satan who wanted to ascend to become a God. No. We all want to be God. Yes. Even as Christians. That doesn’t change. It is behind every sin.
But when the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, maybe it would be helpful to not just confess and repent. We should rejoice that the Holy Spirit convicts us of our transgressions. It is about God’s great love for us.
Thank you.
I always think about Dietrich Bonhoeffer who wrote in one of his letters that "a prison cell is a good analogy for Advent" because it was such a shocking statement when I read it - but the way he explained it - it made complete sense:
"One waits, hopes, does this or that—ultimately negligible things—the door is locked and can only be opened from the outside.”
Anyway, it just reminded me of your thoughts here and how this can be a time to be brutally honest - a time to uncomfortable - as well as delightfully festive (I say as I look at my up-too-soon Christmas tree!)
Oof! That is a killer quote! He's always good for a strong does of reality!
Christy, this is exactly what I needed to read today. What a beautiful way to prepare for Advent. Thank you!!
Oh, that's so kind of you, Tracy!
That Alexandra Davis piece is good -- have you read "With All Her Mind"??
It basically expands on those ideas via a book of essays.
Haha I have read it, but obviously need to be reminded on a weekly basis. Because MY MIND!!