My Alternative to a self-focused “Pride Month”  –  

An Others-centered “Introspection Month”

Well…we have just endured a whole month where the word “pride” has been in our faces and was glorified.  It is on the news, billboards, signs, street corners, parades, the Internet, government buildings, and more.  What does the word mean?  What does it imply?

I am suggesting that we briefly explore that word, and perhaps, submit ourselves to a month of introspection. Hmmmm…no telling what that may reveal, or where it may lead!

I follow a blog named Pier Points.  If you are interested you can access this blog on WordPress. Pier Points.   A recent article that I found very interesting was entitled “To Defend Culture, Don’t Let Anyone Change Your Words”.    I was reminded of the Scriptural admonition of how time and human cultures can change that which is good into bad and that which is bad into good.  See Proverbs 14:12, 2 Timothy 4:3, and Isaiah 5:20.  This article is well-written and espouses a Biblical Worldview with which I agree.  I encourage you to read it, and the many other articles written by this author.

As I know it, a worldview is simply a set of principles and precepts through which a person filters their options, opportunities, decisions, and choices.  A person may ask, “Is this decision when filtered through the principles and precepts of my worldview, the right or best choice for me or those around me?”  If the answer is “no”, then a different decision must be made in order to agree with their worldview.

Other questions a person may ask themselves, as more relatable to the Pier Points blog, is “Does the contemporary cultural definition of this word, or these words, agree with my worldview?”  If not, then not buying into the contemporary definition is the only way to be consistent with your worldview.  Or, “Is the contemporary culture telling me to accept their definition; and if so, will doing this require me to discard the principles and precepts that define my worldview?”  Some introspection may be needed to answer this question.

Romans 12:2 (ESV): Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Two words came to mind as I read the Pier Points blog: “Pride”, and “Humble”.  I asked myself, “Do the contemporary meanings of these two words agree with my biblical worldview filter, or not?”

Pride:

My Internet search for a contemporary definition:

• A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired; consciousness of one’s own dignity; confidence, and self-respect.
• My understanding of the emerging, cultural definition of “pride” seems to be focused a great deal on individuality as it relates to gender and sexuality, minimizing achievements or qualities that are widely admired.

My thoughts on this definition:

• All about self-focus. Preoccupation with self.

When filtered through my biblical worldview:

• I reviewed over 30 biblical scriptures relating to pride.  The overwhelming majority relate pride to a self-centered person, with negative connotations and results. An excessive, even obsessive, preoccupation with self.  Another form of rebellion against God. Self-worship.
  • In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. Ps. 10:4
  • Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
• Relative to the emerging, cultural definition of pride, celebrated as “Pride Month”, focused on gender and sexuality it is at complete odds with my biblical worldview.  God created man, male and female.  Relative to human beings there are two genders, not many.  Sexual relations between same-gendered individuals are rejected in biblical principles and precepts.  Normalization of these relationships is rejected.  For me to accept this definition and characterization of pride would require me to reject the principles and precepts of my biblical worldview.  I cannot.
•  

My definition of pride when run through my filter:

• A state of mind that is primarily focused on and filled with the aggrandizement of self; filled with self-focus, empty of God-focus.  Unconcerned, or uninterested in Godly character qualities.

Certainly, there are ways of expressing pride without the main focus on the self.  “I am proud of my child.”, is an expression of love; but not as a way of highlighting one’s self-image as an exceptional parent.

Humble:

My Internet search:

• not proud or arrogant, modest, having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, low in rank, importance, status, quality, courteously respectful.

My thoughts on these definitions:

• I’m ok with not proud or arrogant, and courteously respectful.  However, having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, low rank, not important as far as status and quality are, again, all about self. I characterize these as a form of pride called “self-debasement”.  It can be false humility and not a healthy way of looking at oneself. 

Groups or individuals may use this self-characterization to gain status or improved, unearned economic standing through historical, contemporary, actual, or perceived suffering and humiliation relating to race, gender, age, nationality, etc.  It can be used as a way of legitimizing low expectations of oneself or others.  Many who have endured great suffering at the hands of evil people can rise above the self-debasement label and accomplish great things if they reject that characterization.  Others, who accept this definition of “humble”, may not, and may continue to live in the past.

When filtered through my biblical worldview:

• As a creation of God, one’s value is innate. It is not based on human class, cultural or economic status, rank, race, gender, age, or nationality.  It is given by God and cannot be taken away by man, or manmade government.  I see no Biblical reason for a person to feel insignificant.  Yes, we are created with different gifts and talents that are used differently.  Actual achievements will differ, and different levels of expression of those gifts and talents will be evident.  However, we are each uniquely created individuals with innate, God-given value.
  •  For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13
  • …but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans5:8
  •  For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3
  • Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. Philippians 2:5–8 (The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language):

My definition of humble when run through my filter:

 A state of mind that is focused on God and others; empty of preoccupation with self, filled with God-focus; focused on God’s character and incorporating His character qualities into one’s life. 

God, through the Apostle Paul, written in Ephesians 5 says: …I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Introspection Month

I had to ask myself if it is even humanly possible, or worthy, to empty myself of excessive self-focus (pride-less) and fill that void with God and others-focus.  After all, introspection is looking inward at the self.  Asking the self questions.  Examining the self.  I came to the conclusion, based on my worldview filter, if, my goal was to be more others-focused, and God-focused it was both worthy and possible.  The hope, the goal would be, to be enlightened. The goals and the purpose will guide the results.

I was reminded of the Scripture – the “filter”:

•  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV):
• “…with God all things are possible.” Matt. 19: 26b
• But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matt. 6:6

What I would not do during this Month of Introspection:  I would not flaunt my broken, human nature, of which there is a great deal, for all to see and “admire”.  I would not flaunt my self-perceived righteousness, seeking undeserved admiration.  And it came to mind as I write this, that even sharing my thoughts about this with you may be a violation.

What I would do during this Month of Introspection.  Test myself.  Seek discernment.  Seek renewal.  Seek the will of God.  Enter this time not on my own, but with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Those who do not share a Biblical worldview can still ask questions like below.

• For example, ask yourself these questions:
  • Who is God?  Do I believe he exists? If so, do I have a relationship with Him?  What is that relationship based upon?
  • What are my spiritual beliefs?  What are they based upon?
  • If my beliefs were wrong, would I want to know?  Would I have the courage to change them?
  • Is Truth my objective?  If so, is there objective Truth?
  • Do I believe in a Heaven or a Hell?  Why or why not?
  • Who is Jesus?  Who do I say he is? What are his claims?  Is he the Son of God?  Did he resurrect from the dead?
  • Are all spiritual beliefs equally valid?
  • Are my lifestyle and choices honoring to God?  Honoring to others?
  • What does the Bible say about gender and sexuality?
  • Do I want to be a better person?  If so, do I rely only on myself to become better?  Do I understand my need for God’s Spirit with this transformation?
  • What is repentance?  What is prayer?
  • What is grace; mercy; justice?  How do they apply to me?  How do I apply them to others?

This contemporary celebration of what has been coined “Pride Month” is nothing to celebrate.  It is rebellion against our Creator God.  When I think about my own personal forms of rebellion, I cannot be pride-filled; I am humbled that God would still love me.  My desire is to empty myself of rebellion and fill that void created with Godly character qualities.

Today…this month and beyond, celebrate!  Not pride, but the truth that God loves you and me, and has given us the way, through Jesus Christ, the opportunity to empty ourselves of ungodly, preoccupation with self, and fill ourselves with God.  A true reason to celebrate!

Be blessed.  Be encouraged!

Mike