31 Days :: Taming Pride

My children love to one-up each other. Do yours?

"I got in the van first."
"I have read that book before."
"I ate all of my dinner."
"Oh, I've already done that."

{head shaking} Pride, pride, pride, pride, pride, pride, pride.

David writes, "Surely I was sinful from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." Psalm 51:5

My sweet boys came into this world full of pride. Bless their little hearts, its just in their make-up. It's in mine, too. The Holy Spirit, however, is more than able to tame this ugly trait.

I can't make my children be humble. I can only help them identify their high "self-regard" and point them to Christ.

"Ooooh, buddy. I hear pride talking. Let's operate in humility, please. The Bible says, 'Be peaceable and considerate, and show true humility toward all men. (Titus 3:2)'"

"Yes, ma'am."

Pride will get a token lost in the Crenshaw home. It often opposes the Honor Each Other rule.

I pray the boys will learn to recognize pride when it rears its head. And let's just say we have many opportunities throughout the day to work on this one.

Jesus is the best example of humility - ever. I tell my kids, "Jesus operated out of a place of deep humility. He always does. He doesn't strut into our lives, barking orders and demanding His way. No, he draws us near, gently, bringing us to repentance with kindness. He gives us mercy. Everyday."

Charles Spurgeon says, "If we would live properly, it must be by the contemplation of His death; if we would rise to dignity, it must be by considering His humiliation and sorrow."

His death was motivated by deep love for us, sacrifice, obedience to the Father and humility.

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 6:4

Jesus is the only thing we can take pride in.

If you have missed any of our 31 Days in the Parenting Handbook series, click here to catch up. Invite a friend to join us!

Coming soon...
-What does Scripture say about the Strong-Willed Child?
-Disciplining outburst of anger
-Coping with Nightmares

Let me know if you have any ideas for this series, too. I'd love to hear.