41 Evidences of Pride

I thought I'd type up Nancy DeMoss's 41 Evidences of Pride since we cannot copy and paste from a pdf. This might be easier for those who want to share it. :)Blessings, Chanin----------------1. Do you look down on those who are less educated, less affluent, less refined, or less successful than yourself?2. Do you think of yourself as more spiritual than your mate or others in your church?3. Do you have a judgemental spirit toward those who don't make the same lifestyle choices as you do... dress standards, how you school your kids, entertainment standards etc...?4. Are you quick to find fault with others and to verbalize those thoughts to others? Do you have a sharp critical tongue?5. Do you frequently correct or criticize your mate, your pastor or other people in position of leadership (teachers, etc...)6. Do you give undo time, attention and effort to your physical appearance- hair, make up, clothing, weight, body shape, avoiding appearance of aging?7. Are you proud of the schedule you keep, how disciplined you are, how much you are able to accomplish?8. Are you driven to receive approval, praise, or acceptance from others?9. Are you argumentative?10. Do you generally think your way is the right way, the only way or the best way?11. Do you have a touchy, sensative spirit? Easily offended? Get your feelings hurt easily?12. Are you guilty of pretense? Trying to leave a better impression of yourself than is really true? (Would the people at church or body of believers be shocked if they knew what you wre like at home?)13. Do you have a hard time admitting when you are wrong?14. Do you have a hard time confessing your sin to God or others? (not just in generalities, but in specifics)15. Do you have a hard time sharing your real spiritual needs/struggles with others?16. Do you have a hard time praying aloud with others?17. Are you exessively shy?18. Do you have a hard time reaching out and being friendly to people you don't know at church?19. Do you resent being asked or expected to serve your family, your parents or others?20. Do you become defensive when you are criticized or corrected?21. Are you a perfectionist? Do you get irked or impatient with people who aren't?22. Do you tend to be controlling-of your mate, your children, friends, those in your workplace?23. Do you frequently interrupt people when they are speaking?24. Does your mate feel intimitated by your "spirituality"?25. Does your mate feel like he/she never measure up to your expectations of what it means to be a good mate,etc.?26. Do you often complain-about the weather, your health, your circumstances, your job, your church?27. Do you talk about yourself too much?28. Are you more concerned about your problems, needs, burdens than about others' concerns?29. Do you worry about what others think of you? Too concerned about your reputation or your family's reputation?30. Do you neglect to express gratitude for "little things"? To God? To others?31. Do you neglect prayer and intake of the Word?32. Do you get hurt if your acomplishments/or acts of service are not recognized or rewarded?33. Do you get hurt if your feeling or opinions are not considered when your mate or boss is making a decision or if you are not informed when a change or a decision is made?34. Do you react to rules? Do you have a hard time being told what to do?35. Are you self-conscious because of your lack of education or natural beauty, or your socio-economic status?36. Do you avoid participating in certain events, for fear or being embarrassed or looking foolish?37. Do you avoid being around certain people because you feel inferior compared to them/don't feel you measure up?38. Are you uncomfortable inviting people to your home because you don't think it's nice enough or you can't afford to do lavish entertaining?39. Is it hard for you to let others know when you need help (practical or spiritual)?40. When is the last time you said these words to a family member, friend, or co-worker: "I was wrong; would you please forgive me?" (If it's been more then a month, mark it down!)and lastly....41. Are you thinking how many of these questions apply to someone you know? Are you feeling pretty good that none of these things really apply to you? ....www.reviveourhearts.com

Great list, very challenging. I've decided to pass it down the line!

:-o well they dont ALL apply to me but far too many of them do thanx for the listmatt

GrannieAnnie, thank you for bringing this back up. I can see I really needed to review it myself! :-o It is a shame how easily we fall in this area. One of my all time favorite books is Andrew Murray's "Humility"- and for good reason- it points out the things I need to desperately to work on. But pride dies hard. It creeps back in where you are not on guard, when you are focused on yourself and not on Christ alone.I think this list and Nancy's list of Broken vs. Proud is a classic that I will never get tired of using. I'll post it below.In Him, Chanin

~~~~~~~~~PROUD~ ~~~~~~~~ Focus on the failures of others; they have a critical fault-finding spirit. They look at everyone else's faults with a microscope, but their own with a telescope Have to prove that they are right Are protective of their time, their reputation, and their rights Desire to be served and be a success Have a drive to be recognized and appreciated; they get wounded when others are promoted Quick to blame others for their problems; are unapproachable or defensive when criticized Keep others at arms length; find it difficult to share their spiritual need with others Have a hard time saying, "I was wrong, will you please forgive me?" Concerned about the consequences of their sin Compare themselves to others and think they are doing alright. Don't think they have anything to repent of Self-concious Don't think they need reviving, cleansing - but they're sure everyone else does! ~~~~~~~~~BROKEN~ ~~~~~~~~~ Are overwhelmed with a sense of their own spiritual need. Therefore, they can esteem all others better than themselves. Are willing to yield the right to be right Have yielded their rights; have a meek spirit, self-denying. Desire to serve others and make others a success. Are thrilled that God would use them at all, they rejoice when others are lifted up Quick to see when they were wrong; they recieve criticism with a humble spirit Willing to be open, transparent and get close to others Quick to admit failure and seek forgiveness. Grieved over the cause, the root of their sin. Compare themselves to the holiness of God and feel a desperate need for His mercy Not concerned with self at all Continually sense their need for a fresh encounter with God

GA,I can tell right away that i'm gonna like you! You said "I like things that make me yell- Help Lord!" Me too!!! I want to be convicted. I want to have a reason to change for my Lord. Many christians think it is depressing and discouraging to listen and read convicting messages. They think believers like us have no "joy".Well, my JOY comes in pleasing the Lord. My joy is knowing God is smiling down at me. My joy is His joy. Any joy that is apart from that is not real joy.I know what you mean about getting stuck in the mourning part. I do love the fact that the Lord is the one working in us. He is the one calling us and drawing Himself to us so that we will want to change. He just wants us to be willing. As we have a willing heart, as we surrender ourselves, He will do the necessary changes.In Him, Chanin

Great list. I need to post this somewhere to remind me of who I am, and who HE is.Yes. Less us, more Him.

Three days ago I found out (through experience) that there is a small, tight line that seperates true piety from plain pride...and that line has a name: grace.Failing to realize that what we are and what we have become (so far) is all by the grace of God...is to open wide the doors of our hearts to pride (and to some of his friends as well). In Him,Paul

Paul, Thanks for your honesty. Spiritual pride is so deceiving and until the Lord shows it to us through some experience (usually dealing with someone else), we are blind to it.Every once in a while I catch myself even saying the "I am so glad I am not like...." (The pharisee talking about the tax collector). And right away I know that I need to renew my mind and check my heart.Praise the Lord for His grace, and for His loving rebukes. Without Him we are nothing.In Him, Chanin

I was commenting about something in the End of the Spear thread and thought of this article from awhile back- soooo I thought I'd bring it back around :-) This is one of those articles that I could never get tired of using as a measuring stick for myself.In Him, Chanin

That was beautiful. It made me want to cryand rejoice.Robert.H

This topic on spiritual pride is so needed. It's one of the hardest ones to detect in our lives, because a lot of it comes down to motive. I was really blessed by a series Zac Poonen did called '50 characteristics of Pharisees'. I really saw a lot of horrendous pride in my heart and spent a good bit of time searching my heart along with the Scriptures. Poonen made a comment: 'The spirit of the Pharisee is against the Holy Spirit.' It has really been my endeavor to open my heart up to God to search me and try me and not allow this spirit to have a large part in my life.50 characteristics of Pharisees:1. A Pharisee is a person who glories in his connection to godly men (Mt 3:9)2. A Pharisee is one who glories in external righteousness (Mt 5:20)3. A Pharisee does not mix with sinful people; he only mixes with his holy crowd of people, and he thinks he's holy because of that (Mt 9:11)4. The Pharisees are ascetics (Mt 9:14)5. The Pharisees are people who are very critical of other people in small matters (Mt 12:2, 15:1)6. Pharisees live by rules7. Pharisees are motivated by jealousy, hatred, which even leads to murder (Mt 12:14)8. Pharisees are those who are suspicious and assume the worst about other people (Mt 12:24)9. Pharisees are very careless in their speech. They carelessly say rude, hurting things and even pass judgments in their speech (Mt 12:24)10. A Pharisee is one who neglects family responsibilities in the name of religion (Mt 15:1-9)11. A Pharisee is one who is easily offended (Mt 15:12-14)12. Pharisees are spiritually blind (Mt 15:14; Jn 9:39-41)13. A Pharisee is a hypocrite (Mt 16:6-12)14. Pharisees are those who seek to catch other people in their words (Mt 19:3)15. Pharisees are hard-hearted (Mt 15:8)16. Pharisees are people who cannot appreciate true worship and praise (Mt 21:15)17. A Pharisee has knowledge without obedience (Mt 23:3)18. They preach things without practicing it first (Mt 23:3-4)19. Pharisees bind heavy burdens on others (Mt 23:4)20. Pharisees seek honor from men (Mt 23:5; Jn 5:41-44)21. The Pharisees think holiness is in one's dress (Mt 23:5)22. He loves position in the church and titles of honor (Mt 23:6-7)23. They corrupt others (Mt 23:13-15)24. They take advantage of poor people (Mt 23:14)25. Pharisees are people who pray long prayers in public (Mt 23:14)26. Their converts are double children of hell because they don't preach repentence (Mt 23:15)27. They interpret Scripture without revelation from God (Mt 23:16-22)28. They are sticklers for the letter of the law (they major on minor issues) (Mt 23:23)29. The Pharisee has no justice, no mercy, no faithfulness (Mt 23:23)30. A Pharisee strains out mosquitos and swallows camels31. A Pharisee is one who concentrates on cleansing his outward life and emphasizes externals primarily (Mt 23:25-26)32. A Pharisee says concerning evil that other people do, "I would never have done that." (Mt 23:30)33. Pharisees persecute God's prophets34. A Pharisee fears the opinions of people, particularly people in his own group (Mt 21:26)35. A Pharisee loves money (Lk 16:14)36. A Pharisee thanks God that he is better than others (Lk 18:9)37. A Pharisee is one who trusts in his own self-produced righteousness (Lk 18:9)38. A Pharisee looks down on other people (Lk 18:9)39. He exalts himself above others and is spiritually proud (Lk 18:9)40. A Pharisee boasts about his achievements (Lk 18:12)41. A Pharisee is one who accuses other people (Jn 8:1-11)42. A Pharisee is one who imagines that God is his father where actually Satan is his father (Jn 8:41, 44)43. A Pharisee is a liar and a murderer (Jn 8:44)44. A Pharisee persecutes those who don't listen to them (Jn 9:34)45. A Pharisee is jealous of those who can do miracles which he himself cannot do (Jn 11:47)46. A Pharisee judges godly people by the person not following some ritual that he thinks that he should follow (Jn 9:16)47. A Pharisee tests God by asking Him for signs (Mt 12:38-42, Mt 16:1) 48. A Pharisee has no concern for lost sinners (Jn 7:49)49. A Pharisee values traditions more than God's Word (Mk 7:1-13)50. A Pharisee is one who justifies himself (he can't take the blame) (Lk 16:15)

Revisit

Thank you for posting this list Chanin. What a monster pride is. It has been a giant that has knocked me down more than I want to remember. If you think you can knock him out with a smooth stone and just leave him there, forget it. I think here is one of the ways he knocked me down concerning ministry Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.I was certainly a novice and was given the opportunity to teach in a limited way before a congregation. Boy did I have a lot to learn.Pray for me and I pray for all of you who also struggle against this foe.Chris

I was searching for this thread for a Bible study I'm conducting tonight. I thought this thread was outstanding, and deserved a good *Bump*

REPENT!!! Prideful Sinner!!!

Nice try. But if it ain't from the Bible there's no reason for me to buy your spiritual wares.

4. Are you quick to find fault with others and to verbalize those thoughts to others? Do you have a sharp critical tongue?

9. Are you argumentative?

Cory,

Very difficult is it not to respond to a post on pride with a prideful comment?

The 'Anonymous' reply you are responding to is well over a year old, furthermore 'Anonymous' means this member is no longer participating here.

The reason excessive shyness can be rooted to the sin of pride has to do with why a person is being extremely shy to begin with. Speaking as one who is naturally shy, I have to say my shyness comes mostly from the desire to be a man-pleaser. That is, naturally speaking, I want to stay withdrawn from the crowd until I know people are safe and aren't going to judge me and think badly of me. And this is pride in the flesh.

But how are shy people who are afraid of meeting new people or praying in public displaying the sin of pride?

Jesus advised us to be meek and to pray in the closet. That's why I said "if it ain't from the Bible there's no reason for me to buy your wares".

16. Do you have a hard time praying aloud with others?

17. Are you exessively shy?

18. Do you have a hard time reaching out and being friendly to people you don't know at church?

[i]excessively[/i]

Think the point would be on the order of the 'fear of man' and that of excess self considerations, being too self absorbed, too self conscious even as you stated "afraid". And these things can be found in the scriptures brother. One that comes to mind and is strangely overlooked it seems;

Rev 21:8 But the [u]fearful, and unbelieving[/u], and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Similarly...

Mar 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

[i]Fearful and unbelieving[/i], how closely linked ...

Not all praying is done in private...

Act 21:5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

To back up a minute, regarding;

16. Do you have a hard time praying aloud with others?

Recently there was some discussion on this very thing, 'public' prayers and my own admittance and reluctance in it's out-workings. On one level there is and was that shyness and the very 'fear of man', the [i]pride[/i] that wants to not look foolish, [i]seem[/i] 'spiritual', 'intelligent' ... But what began to over ride even all these things that need to be overcome was a greater impulse; [i]Faking it[/i]. Would rather pass and be silent if I had nothing but a human and fleshly recourse to rely on, to be a 'men pleaser' even amongst one's own Brethren and that is not in the wrong sense of the idea, another subtle twisting of pride. Better to just be misunderstood and not all that concerned about it, it doesn't set one up again to the opposite of being 'above it all'.

I'm trying. And I'm the most un-Christlike person I know, so bear with me.

But of course! And pardon the digging in even deeper brother ... watch out for false humility. Cory, I am flatly convinced this is the greatest problem we Christians are up against, this matter of pride. It is shot through practically everything, everything from bitterness and cynicism to sarcasm and egotism, strife, contention, outbursts of anger, being offended, the want of self justification and defending our wounded psyche.

Look how far from the ideal we can be. Look to Jesus and how do we [i]talk[/i] and speak, respond? There is just no room for pride in us. We are caught by our own words, one of the particular curses\\blessings of sharing ourselves here in this forum. Depending on our perspective, it is either a "[i]Thank God, someone had the nerve to point this out to me[/i]" or it can be a feeding of our preconceived notions and well ... just a burrowing in to more pride.

There can't be any other reason for correction to be forwarded other than to betterment and to growth, remember Paul's;

[i]For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.

Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
2Co 7:8-11[/i]

[i][b]I rejoice ...
what carefulness it wrought in you[/b][/i]

It always a difficult thing to rebuke and\\or be rebuked, exhorted, prompted to consider again especially from the one it is coming from recognizing his own frailties. Intent and motivation and the inherent misunderstandings abound, there is always a certain tension, a 'trembling', a [i]carefulness[/i] and a considering of how these things apply to the one bringing them forth, it is both the plank and the speck.

This long running post may be one of the most important available here; [url=https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?viewmode=flat&order=0&topic_id=10733&forum=34&post_id=&refresh=Go]Jonathan Edwards - Undiscerned Spiritual Pride[/url]

Could hardly think of a better continued expression like Paul's [i]being made sorry[/i] unto betterment and edification.

Reprint from the original;

1. Do you look down on those who are less educated, less affluent, less refined, or less successful than yourself?

2. Do you think of yourself as more spiritual than your mate or others in your church?

3. Do you have a judgemental spirit toward those who don't make the same lifestyle choices as you do... dress standards, how you school your kids, entertainment standards etc...?

4. Are you quick to find fault with others and to verbalize those thoughts to others? Do you have a sharp critical tongue?

5. Do you frequently correct or criticize your mate, your pastor or other people in position of leadership (teachers, etc...)

6. Do you give undo time, attention and effort to your physical appearance- hair, make up, clothing, weight, body shape, avoiding appearance of aging?

7. Are you proud of the schedule you keep, how disciplined you are, how much you are able to accomplish?

8. Are you driven to receive approval, praise, or acceptance from others?

9. Are you argumentative?

10. Do you generally think your way is the right way, the only way or the best way?

11. Do you have a touchy, sensative spirit? Easily offended? Get your feelings hurt easily?

12. Are you guilty of pretense? Trying to leave a better impression of yourself than is really true? (Would the people at church or body of believers be shocked if they knew what you wre like at home?)

13. Do you have a hard time admitting when you are wrong?

14. Do you have a hard time confessing your sin to God or others? (not just in generalities, but in specifics)

15. Do you have a hard time sharing your real spiritual needs/struggles with others?

16. Do you have a hard time praying aloud with others?

17. Are you exessively shy?

18. Do you have a hard time reaching out and being friendly to people you don't know at church?

19. Do you resent being asked or expected to serve your family, your parents or others?

20. Do you become defensive when you are criticized or corrected?

21. Are you a perfectionist? Do you get irked or impatient with people who aren't?

22. Do you tend to be controlling-of your mate, your children, friends, those in your workplace?

23. Do you frequently interrupt people when they are speaking?

24. Does your mate feel intimitated by your "spirituality"?

25. Does your mate feel like he/she never measure up to your expectations of what it means to be a good mate,etc.?

26. Do you often complain-about the weather, your health, your circumstances, your job, your church?

27. Do you talk about yourself too much?

28. Are you more concerned about your problems, needs, burdens than about others' concerns?

29. Do you worry about what others think of you? Too concerned about your reputation or your family's reputation?

30. Do you neglect to express gratitude for "little things"? To God? To others?

31. Do you neglect prayer and intake of the Word?

32. Do you get hurt if your acomplishments/or acts of service are not recognized or rewarded?

33. Do you get hurt if your feeling or opinions are not considered when your mate or boss is making a decision or if you are not informed when a change or a decision is made?

34. Do you react to rules? Do you have a hard time being told what to do?

35. Are you self-conscious because of your lack of education or natural beauty, or your socio-economic status?

36. Do you avoid participating in certain events, for fear or being embarrassed or looking foolish?

37. Do you avoid being around certain people because you feel inferior compared to them/don't feel you measure up?

38. Are you uncomfortable inviting people to your home because you don't think it's nice enough or you can't afford to do lavish entertaining?

39. Is it hard for you to let others know when you need help (practical or spiritual)?

40. When is the last time you said these words to a family member, friend, or co-worker: "I was wrong; would you please forgive me?" (If it's been more then a month, mark it down!)

and lastly....

41. Are you thinking how many of these questions apply to someone you know? Are you feeling pretty good that none of these things really apply to you? ....