The Most Subtle Form of Pride | Desiring God

The Most Subtle Form of Pride | Desiring God

Greg Morse writes: "Smallness in our own eyes is a virus mimicking humility that tempts some of us to do the same as Saul. He knew the command, saw the sheep being taken away -- but, who was he to tell them otherwise? He was a nothing, a no one, an ant. He did not consider that the Lord made him king or that the Lord sent him on a mission. He was to rise to the occasion, not because he was grand, but because the King who he served was.

"Smallness in his own eyes, a sinking sense of inferiority, fueled his and the people's transgression. He shirked responsibility because he did not feel equal to it and his cowardice endangered his people and he eventually lost his kingship as a result.

"Humility says, 'I am small . . . but my God is big, so I will go, speak, and do.' Cowardice, pride, and self-preoccupation say, 'I am puny, others are more qualified, I don't want to screw things up for myself and others by accepting.'"