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the corrosive nature of pride

One of my older brothers had a 1972 MGB that had sheet metal welded in the floor board because the bottom had rusted out. Then again, this was the same car that started using a screwdriver. The gas gauge didn’t work either. I loved that car!

From the sidewalk, it looked like a nice car. But if it hadn’t been for a local welder, the big hole in the floor would have made it impractical — if not dangerous — to drive. That’s how corrosion works. It ruins what otherwise looks nice and it’s often the most dangerous when it is hidden.

Have you ever noticed how corrosive pride can be?

Left unchecked, pride begins to corrode away a person’s character. In order to maintain an image, pride might lead a person to fudge a little about the facts. Then fudge a little more. Before long, the corrosive nature of pride has created a habitual liar.

Pride will create rust in a relationship. No one wants to be around a person who believes the world revolves around them. Pride discourages any admission of wrong doing. Apologies do more damage than good: “I’m sorry that you misunderstood me.” The corrosive nature of pride discourages a person from taking responsibility for their actions.

Pride will weaken good judgment in a leader. How many leaders (or pastors or coaches) overstep their capabilities because they have bought into the myth that they will always be successful? The corrosive nature of pride makes it hard to ask for help; that would be a sign of weakness. Good ideas are never offered because they are never asked for.

I’m not sure I’d press the analogy too far, but Neil Young may have been right: “It’s better to burn out than it is to rust.”

When it comes to damaging the character and influence of a Christ-follower, nothing is worse than pride.

Root it out. Be vigilant. Don’t let it ruin what God is trying to create within you.