Spiritual Pride, the Real Buzzkill

It can happen in an instant.

We see a faith-filled post nearly identical to something profound we’ve shared, or wanted to share, and now it’s getting all the attention. A spiritual mentor gives advice we’ve heard a thousand times, and we quickly work in a few comments to demonstrate our own spiritual intellect. We witness another’s God-given gifts in action and immediately begin to bristle as we compare them to ours.

Spiritual pride is a real buzzkill.

It’s the enemy’s attempt to weasel into the holiest places and spaces and convince us to shift our focus away from God to—you guessed it—focus on ourselves.

Humility, on the other hand, keeps the focus where it belongs.

In today's First Reading from Exodus, Moses is a stunning example as he tries to grasp what is happening: a shrub in the distance, aflame but uncharred, a Voice calling him by name. He has every opportunity to inflate with self-importance when God manifests Himself in such a remarkable way. Yet Moses responds with utter humility, accepting that he is nothing without God, but made gloriously capable and worthy by God.

Likewise, Christ places the example of a humble child in our midst in today’s Gospel, far superior to the egoism of the “wise and learned” in spiritual understanding.

Humility responds, open-hearted, to our God Who calls us by name and invites us to build a relationship with Him. Humility teaches that others’ gifts cannot detract from who we are and what God asks us to do. Humility is the child so intent upon her Father’s teaching that her eyes never wander to concern themselves with the others in the room, all learning alongside her.

God is longing to teach us that humility is neither self-deprecation nor self-inflation. It’s accepting our true identity by keeping our eyes on Him.

Yet we can only keep our eyes on Him and discover the truth of who we are when we make intentional time with the One Who made us for Himself.

So He waits, in all humility, inviting us to shift our eyes from ourselves, and instead move to meet His loving gaze.

Humility responds, open-hearted, to our God Who calls us by name and invites us to build a relationship with Him. Click to tweet

Let's pray the Litany of Humility today.

Megan Hjelmstad is a wife and mom 24/7 and an Army Reservist in her “spare” time. She is the Stories Manager for the Blessed is She Instagram account. She’s a bibliophile, tea drinker, sleep lover, and avid admirer of Colorado’s great outdoors. She is a contributing author to our children's devotional prayer book, Rise Up. When the writing bug hits, you can find out more about her here.