Pride is a rude and persistent visitor. Once his foot is in the door of a heart unprepared for his advances, he can slip in easily through the thinnest crack, and once through the door, he is never quick to leave. There is no grace or dignity in him and forgiveness flees from his presence. He is the king of self-interest and the master of rationalization.

To those who would remove him, take heed. He settles in like a chill in a room when the fire goes out, a chill that sinks to the bone and holds tight. Pride feeds on guilt, delusion, self-pity and cowardice, seasoning them all with anger and spite. When he finds plenty to eat, he swells to a size that can no longer fit through the door he first entered into the room.

Humility is the stake in his heart, pricking the calloused skin of indifference and deflating his stronghold. But humility is not a forceful guest and must be invited in to displace his constant rival. He is the encouraging word the midst of trial that says, “Lord, let your will be done.” He is not easily conquered, but willingly surrenders. His lifeblood is equal parts compassion, mercy and grace.

Humility is the keeper of the door, the healer of emotional obesity and the source of good council. He guides us into sacrifice, loving our neighbors, and loving ourselves as we should. The humble heart is a heart ruled by Christ whereas the heart ruled by pride soon finds itself fractured, and alone.

The only reason I know any of this is personal experience. Pride has visited on numerous occasions and it pains me to say that he found a good place to set up shop. It is my desire to be a man ruled by the humility of Christ, but pride is also a jealous stalker, persisting in His pursuit of setting-up residence. Please Lord, help me to love Christ above myself.