In 1 John chapter 2, the Beloved Disciple wrote by THE SPIRIT:
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
The pride of life may be the most subtle issue of the three worldly aspects mentioned above. Pride is defined as haughtiness, arrogance, the character of one who, with a swollen estimate of his own powers or merits, looks down on others and even treats them with insolence and contempt. It is also defined as one who boasts of personal achievements and possessions; one who trusts in the stability of earthly things. I suspect many of us have fallen into the trap of bringing attention to ourselves at the expense of others. I know I have had to repent of past acts and am thankful for FATHER’S grace and mercy toward me.
Pride attempts to exalt oneself relative to others, especially in past accomplishments and/or possessions. Athletes who excelled in college sports still cling to such accomplishments decades later in order to establish their identity. Instead, our identity should be with Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior for He assured us of eternal life. Personal achievements and possessions all pass away and are no longer relevant to our lives. Old trophies simply gather dust and no one really cares now. Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Philippians chapter 3 and made this very point:
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,
4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:
5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith
You don’t have to be highly successful in order to have a pride issue for it is all relative. Winning an argument may be your source of pride or any other means of exalting yourself among others. Let us count our past achievements and possessions as “rubbish” relative to the enduring righteousness found in Christ. Paul urges us in Romans chapter 12:
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Let not worldly pride be found among us but allow FATHER’S Love be the means by which we interact with others. Toss the trophies for the past is the past. Your or my opinion and $5.00 will buy a latte at Starbucks.