Pride is a tricky feeling. We are taught to take pride in our work. However, too much pride can become a barrier between us and God. We see this often: people become angry when we mention God to unbelievers.
This is a perfect storm for Satan. He takes the mixture of pride and the fear of the unknown and twists the mind to become angry. He uses pride to form a narcissistic attitude. Today, the world justifies selfish attitudes like social justice warriors. Possible mental illness is a propaganda tool.
This is not a new technique. When Jesus was about thirty, He began His three-year ministry. Two thousand years later, we are still learning and believing what He taught and modeled. But when He turned the water into wine, the Pharisees began to watch Him. He was a radical. They refused to see the miracles and holiness of this radical Jesus because they would have to become humble and let go of their pride in the man-made structure they devoted their lives to.
Jesus is radical. When He declared Himself to be the Messiah mentioned in Isaiah, the Pharisees became mixed with that perfect storm of emotions of their pride. He threatened their power, and they had no humility.
If I were blessed to see Jesus in person, I would also be filled with many emotions—excitement, humbleness, gratitude, and worship. I do not deserve all that He has done for me. I certainly would not plot to kill the Messiah because He threatened my pride and power.
Don’t let pride or fear of this world erect a barrier between you and Jesus.
Cassandra McKinnerney is a writer.