That's a scary thought. What Christian would ever want to roll out a red carpet for Satan? Yet that is precisely what we do when we think too much of ourselves. Worse still, we're not even aware of it because of the nature of pride itself. Because we hold ourselves in high esteem, we're convinced that our view of ourselves is justifiable and more accurate than anyone else's assessment of us.
Jonathan Edwards was a deep thinker and spent much time in meditation on this issue. He knew the Bible well and taught it for the benefit of himself and others. Looking through the lens of Scripture, Edwards was able to distinguish the difference between proud people and humble people. Here is a basic summary of his conclusions:
A prideful person is a know-it-all who is more apt to instruct others than to ask questions. Such a person puts on the airs of a master. He is quick to bark orders but hates to be told what to do. He is not easily entreated. He is convinced that his way is always the best way. Whereas a humble person is sees himself as needing help from everyone, the proud person is convinced that everyone else needs his help.
A prideful person tends to talk about other people's sins. But a person who's humble is silent about the sins of others. Or, if he does discuss such sins, he does so out of necessity, with much grief and pity. The spiritually proud person is quick to find fault with others, but the humble person is so concerned about the prevalence of evil in his own heart, that he is not apt to be very busy with other hearts. He mourns over his own spiritual coldness and hopes that other people have more love and gratitude to God than he does.
A prideful person denounce the faults he sees in others in the harshest, most severe language. The way he speaks about other people or to them in a moment of anger or irritation can be downright shocking. It is utterly mean-spirited and full of contempt. In contrast, the humble Christian is so taken with his own sins and shortcomings, that he is quite patient in dealing with others. He treats them with the humility and gentleness of Christ, who, though infinitely above us, is ever kind and gracious toward us.
A prideful person acts in such a way so as to make himself the focus of others. If they show him deference or respect, he is glad to receive it. Indeed, he comes to expect it and is easily annoyed when others do not show him what he feels he deserves. A humble person, on the other hand, does not care to be the center of attention and to have others cater to him. His goal is not to make much of himself but to make much of Christ.
A prideful person takes great notice of opposition, insults and injury. He is quick to retaliate and give others what they have coming to them. But a humble person seeks to be like his Savior, who when he was reviled did not open his mouth but continued entrusting himself to the One who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).
A proud person expect others to wait on him, while he himself neglects others. He has an entitlement mentality and shows little to no thanks for the kindnesses and favors that others show him. He is insensitive to the needs of those around him. In contrast, the humble person is quick to perceive the needs of others and readily serves them. His desire is to be like Christ, "who did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).
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The above article was adapted from a piece entitled "Spiritual Pride," which appeared in Revive, a publication of Life Action Ministries, Volume 46, Issue 2. The Revive article in turn was adapted from "Some Thoughts Concerning the Present Revival of Religion in New England" from The Works of Jonathan Edwards. Published by Banner of Truth Trust, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.