We like to be number one. Second place just does not bring us any satisfaction. It does not matter what area of life we are talking about; we want to be the top dog. This is partly due to the culture in which we live. Peer pressure drives us to always be on top.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be successful in your endeavors. There is, in itself, nothing wrong with wanting to be on top. The problem arises when being on top is a passion that you cannot be satisfied with being anything else. In our lives, so often, it is the times when we put being in first place no matter what that failure entails. The difference between doing your best and being on top no matter what, is when you let pride dominate your thinking. A mother whale said to her baby whale, “When you get to the surface and start to blow, that’s when you get harpooned.” Disaster happen in our lives, when we exercise pride.
The Bible gives numerous examples of condemning pride and condoning attributes and attitudes opposite to pride. In the Wisdom Literature a couple of verses to keep in mind that are related to pride are Proverbs 16:18-19, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling; it is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.” When we allow pride to flourish in our lives, that is when the goal(s) we seek go right down the tubes.
We should strive to do our best in whatever life brings our way, but avoid being prideful. To avoid this pitfall, put into action in your life Proverb’s solution; it says “be humble in spirit.” Being humble will keep your focus on God. He is the giver of all good things.
Go into the world and let us accomplish great things for God for His glory, not for our boastful pride.
