4 Ways to Overcome Spiritual Pride

⁹ Also, He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: ¹⁰ “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ ¹³ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ ¹⁴ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; (Luke 18:9-14)

The spiritual life is a perilous journey, not just because of the external challenges we face, but also because of the internal struggles that test our character. One of the most insidious of these is spiritual pride. Armed with the example of the Pharisee and the tax collector, let's explore ways to combat this spiritual trap.

1. Focus More on God Than You Do On Yourself

It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own righteousness. But as Colossians 3:2-3 reminds us, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Concentrating on God's majesty and goodness diverts our attention from ourselves and onto the One who truly deserves it. This shift in focus becomes an antidote to the self-absorption that fuels pride.

2. Pray

In the realm of spiritual pride, prayer becomes the stronghold of humility. The Apostle James reminds us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Prayer is where we yield ourselves to God and ask for His guidance. It’s where we let go of our ego and invite God to search our hearts, just like David prayed in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

3. Be Teachable

The willingness to learn and grow is a mark of humility. Proverbs 9:9 commends a teachable spirit. “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Moses was open to wisdom from his father-in-law Jethro (Exodus 18:13-24). Being teachable doesn't mean being gullible; it means weighing counsel wisely and being willing to change. As we keep our hearts open, we become more receptive to the work of the Holy Spirit in us, which keeps pride at bay.

4. Fast

Fasting is a physical act with spiritual implications. It helps us master our bodily appetites and refocus our spiritual vision. Isaiah 58:6-7 talks about the true purpose of fasting, which is not only to abstain from food but to loose the chains of injustice and to set the oppressed free. When you fast, you’re reminded of your vulnerabilities and limitations, thereby creating room for God’s grace to flow through you.

Allow me to warn you. Neglecting these principles can lead to a host of problems. We might think we're standing firm but could be on the brink of a fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12). And let’s not forget, the Pharisee in the parable thought he was justified, only to be told otherwise by Christ.

4 Ways to Overcome Spiritual Pride

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