Pride Kills

In Judges 12 we read how Ephraim was offended because Jephthah and the Gileadites had gone to battle without them- so offended that they started a war over it. In the resulting conflict, 42,000 Ephraimites perished.

The impulse to defend our pride rather than to make peace is a strong one. But the results are deadly. How much better to humble ourselves and submit to truth?

Of course, there are times where it is right to “make war,” both literally and figuratively- but the thing that we are defending should not be our own wounded pride.

If it is, we’re going to have a hard time justifying the fallout.

How often do I choose strife over life? How often do I insist on defending myself instead of humbly allowing God to defend me? How often does my pride get in the way of my peacemaking?

Too often.

Those times are opportunities to set aside the selfish impulse to fight for me, and instead to consider others more important than myself, and Christ more important than all.

This is critical for marriage, as wounded pride can lead to massive, and completely unnecessary, fights.

It is critical for parenting, as parents drive their children away by hypocrisy and teach them to be arrogant by example.

It is critical for church life, as entire congregations can fall into civil war because one person insists on fighting for their own reputation.

It is critical for healthy societies where we can handle our differences in peace.

Lord, show us where we are choosing strife over life; may we humble ourselves under Your mighty hand, that You may lift us up.