Seven Virtues for Seven Sins: Week One: Humility not Pride

Lent has traditionally been a time to dwell on our shortcomings and promise to do better, but recently I think our shortcomings have been laid bare in so many ways that we might better focus on the alternatives.  Rather than wallowing in our sins, lets celebrate the virtues that we have been given by God’s grace. 

photo by Scotty Turner on unsplash
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Humility is the antidote to pride.  In our culture we use pride as a synonym for self-confidence, self-respect, and accomplishment.  So we take pride in ourselves, our country, our children, our work and our accomplishments. The pride that leads to a fall is not self-confidence but arrogance and entitlement.  Humility is not self-deprecation but self-awareness and an awareness of the value of others.  I heard Ryan Reynolds interviewed recently.  After being praised for his philanthropy and congratulated on his Hollywood Walk of Fame star, he said that yes, he has worked hard but his success was about being in the right place at the right time and being given opportunities and privileges that many don’t have.  In his philanthropy and foundations he is just trying to give others the chance he has had.  And he admitted that his generosity didn’t really affect his lifestyle.  To me that seemed quite humble for one in his position.  Ask God to keep you humble and look for opportunities to express that humility. 

If you want to think a bit more read and contemplate  Mark 12:41-44

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