JUST A LITTLE PRIDE by Seth Smith

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 10, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 32.

JUST A LITTLE PRIDE.

By Seth Smith

BY SETH SMITH.

It seems to be fixed in the minds of some that they can not get along without a little pride. They must have just a little, just enough to make them dress respectably and keep themselves clean and tidy. But to do that it is only necessary that we be Christians. The Word of God teaches cleanliness and order.

But where in the Word of God do we find that we must have pride to help us to present a respectable appearance or to perform any other duty? Surely, what the Word of God will not help us to do will not be worth the doing. Then what we need is not a little pride, but much of the love of God. Again, if we have a little pride, we will be very likely to have much of it, for “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”

Pride is of the devil, and is a portion, at least, of his main stock in trade. If we, then, have a little pride, we have a little of the adversary’s material, and he will be able to stay with us as long as we have it, to show us how to use it. The origin of pride being such as it is, the thing itself must necessarily be unclean; and it is not necessary for us to carry a little of an unclean thing with us to prompt us to be cleanly.

Pride being the opposite of humility, naturally prompts to disobedience, and its possession causes men to act the hypocrite.

Pride being of the evil one, he is able to make it manifest itself in any way he may choose. Some who have had a “little pride” have actually taken pride in going untidy and uncleanly. Pride ministers to selfishness, and a little selfishness will keep us out of the kingdom of heaven.

The Word of God states that “only by pride cometh contention.” Then they who think they must have a “little pride” would be quite likely to stir up a little contention, and then, “Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” “In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.” Prov. 14:3. So we see that pride and wisdom can not dwell together.

“When pride cometh, then cometh shame.” Prov. 11:2. Pride will make a person ashamed of the pure and the holy. It is pride that Satan uses to make many persons ashamed of Jesus Christ and His words. It causes men to turn their backs upon the truth; to tell falsehoods of which they will afterwards be ashamed. It causes some to be ashamed to be seen in the company of the poor and the lowly, or even trying to do them good. It makes some ashamed to be seen wearing plain clothes or eating plain and simple food, tho it be ever so nourishing. In short, it will put all sorts of wicked and foolish notions into the hearts of human beings, and cause them to do all kinds of unholy acts of which they will be ashamed in the day of judgment.

The Lord hates pride (Prov. 8:13), even a proud look (Prov. 6:17). The proud will be burned up. Mal. 4:1. These scriptures should warn us to beware of even a little pride. Pride is one of the main articles of fuel that feed the fire of covetousness, which will of itself burn the good qualities out of a man’s soul. Pride and covetousness, walking hand in hand, will sharpen the teeth to devour everything before them.

The fact is, we should never be proud of anything, but instead, we should be glad for all that is good and desirable. It is proper to take pleasure in doing that which is right; but we do not need to “take pride in it.” Then we can give God the glory for what is accomplished, and leave pride out. If pride enters into our work, then the moment some one raises an objection, pride is wounded, and there is trouble in the camp, for pride is selfish in any quantity, little or much.

Castana, Iowa.