What Hinders Relationships?
Pride Hindered the First Ever Relationship
People crave healthy, fulfilling relationships; but in many cases, they fall short. Sometimes, it’s the obvious things that we fail to see. Simplicity is too simple of an answer for some to accept. With the help of Holy Spirit, one may find more clarity by starting with the person in the mirror. It’s too easy to blame others for dysfunctional relationships. Of course, what a person sees in another may very well be buried deep within his or her self. That is a different kind of mirror. If we see something we don’t like in somebody else, it would behoove us to look inward. ??? ? ? Let’s address one issue that is a major contributor to hindered, or failed relationships. It is simple; yet, it can be complex in the way it shows up. What is it? Pride. As a matter of fact, it first reared its ugly head in the Garden of Eden. It thwarted mankind’s first relationship with God. When reading Genesis, we see the serpent using it against the woman in order to tempt her to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Gensis 3:5) This was part of a three-pronged attack. ? ? ?1 John 2:15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. ? The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life coincide with her response. ? ?Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food (lust of the flesh), and that it was pleasant to the eyes (lust of the eyes), and a tree to be desired to make one wise (pride of life), she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Pride desires superiority, and loves to lord it over others. It craves equality with God, and quite frankly, it wants to be superior to God. It wants to be God.
Pride is a Bone of Contention
Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. ? ?Pride is contentious, and despises reasonable conversations. How many arguments were the result of pride? Too many to count. How many arguments did it ever resolve? Too few to count. When someone has to be right, he will not admit he is wrong when this unholy thing is involved. If he believes he is right, he sees no need to ask for forgiveness. Point of clarity: those who are so right, they are wrong, need to ask forgiveness. Even if a person is technically correct, the moment he lords it over another, he is wrong. ? ?In order for something to be true is must be spoken in love. Truth and factual statements can be two different things. How many times have people used said factual statements to slander others? By the way, appearances alone do not necessarily tell the whole story. They do not always reveal what’s underneath the surface, which includes people’s intentions. ? ?Ephesians 4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
God Hates Pride
?Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward (perverted) mouth, do I hate. ? ?Segments of society encourage taking pride in oneself; and yet, it’s something God hates. And it’s no wonder. It not only hinders relationships, it destroys them. Pride was the cause of Satan’s fall, and ultimate separation from God. In turn, he used it against humanity to attack God indirectly, since he can do nothing directly. Something to consider when pride knocks at the door. Pride interferes with open and honest communication between people. It prevents us from wanting to ask for help when we need it. As already stated, it keeps us from admitting when we’re wrong; much less, ask for forgiveness.
The Antidote to Pride
Proverbs 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. ? ?James 4:6 But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. ? ?A right relationship with God requires humility, and so it with people. It allows us to look at ourselves, and others honestly. Humility honors others, and is more than willing to admit when one is wrong. It will ask for forgiveness, and for help. One cannot use pride to eliminate pride. Humility recognizes its Source, which means having confidence in He Who lives in us; versus having self-confidence. In short, healthy fulfilling relationships require humility.