The Opposite of Pride

Today’s Topic – Pride.

Out of the numerous verses listed, I was drawn to the following verse. I think it speaks volumes of our current situations in the world. The surrounding verses enumerate a lot of cause and effects, and “wo unto’s”.

2 Ne. 9: 28 –   “O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.”

The “cunning plan”

Sometimes you have to think how easy it is for satan. I mean, he has the advantage. Not only does he know man’s weaknesses, but he knows us individually and our individual weaknesses. A whisper in the ear, a fleeting thought – how fast can one slip? I know for me it can happen in an instance. While I have been counseled in my own blessing to frequent the Temple for this very reason – it’s partly due to this reason I tend to not go as often as I should.

Quick note: I was looking for an image to add to this post, so I went to google and typed in “Pride”, it would seem now that the word pride is now synonmous with homosexuality – how ironic.

Vainness, frailities, foolishness

Why don’t people believe in God? I think you could actually answer that question with each of these words. Vanity or self-idolatry would put one’s self in the place of God – not needing anything else but yourself. Frail or weak, can lead to lead to resentments, covetous – even vanity (think of those who were shamed into going to great and spacious building). Foolishness, I think we could all agree we’ve made a foolish mistake or two – and really what is the motive behind that, could it be…..pride?

They are wise, but will perish

Of course they think they are, if you are proud and vain – you are the smartest man around. You know it all – you have all the answers. So let’s look at today’s world, what are some things that might change if people we’re so prideful?

I don’t want to act as if I’m not guilty of my own pride (whoa, wait – does that mean since I admit to it, I might not have such a problem? lol). I have my own issues with pride that I am striving to overcome. I’m fairly certain everyone does – otherwise, why would it be one of the deadliest of the 7 sins? But really I think a big key to breaking it down – the topic that ModernMolly spoke about – Humility.

So here’s the challenge – try to humble yourself. Even if it’s one little thing, saying thank you to the Lord for helping you pass a test, write a bit of challenging code, making the team, earning enough money to pay for your shoes – anything, then build on it – keep it up. With God, all things are possible – but remember to thank him for making it so!