One compelling reason why the Christian must learn humility is that the opposite of humility, pride, is a destructive trait. It is often said that nature abhors a vacuum. Hence, if a person is not filled with humility, he shall inadvertently be filled with its opposite, which is pride. Unfortunately, pride destroys.
Pride is a haughty (arrogant, condescending) attitude shown by somebody who believes, often unjustifiably, that he or she is better than others. A proud person looks down on others. He says in his heart, and sometimes audibly too, (I am better than you”, or “You cannot be as good as I am.” It does not stop there. A proud person would gladly step on others, emotionally and psychologically (even physically sometimes) in his or her bid to gain personal satisfaction. A proud person has little or no consideration for the happiness of others. In other words, pride and selfishness are twin character traits; where you see one, the other is very likely to be present also.
“Now, the Bible says in Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
What the above means is that a life filled with pride is a life in danger of destruction. A person who lives in pride is a time bomb just awaiting the right time to detonate. If such a person has been exalted, promoted or lifted high, we are informed that a fall is imminent on account of his/her pride. This kind of change of condition is a big shame that should be avoided at all costs.
One quick way by which pride brings people down is that the proud tends to lose the cooperation of others. No man is an island, and there is no self-made man. So when a person begins to get less and less help or cooperation, he would become less and less successful until he becomes a total failure.
Another way is that the proud person is a target of vengeful attacks. Out of those whom he offends shall be found a number of unforgiving persons who shall be intent on getting even with the proud person. The haughty spirit of the proud person will not allow him to watch out, until he is dealt a deadly blow by someone who seeks revenge.
Furthermore, even if a proud person subdues all human might and achieves a measure of success by his own power, the divine might shall scatter it ultimately. Proverbs 15: 25 is instructive in this respect: Proverbs 15:25 – The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
Pride is a really dangerous thing. The cost of avoiding this danger is simply the embrace of humility. Therefore, the wise man admonishes us: Proverbs 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Interestingly, the humble person who stays with the lowly today shall not remain there for long. James 4:10 says, James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Thus every Christian who desires divine uplifting should eschew pride and embrace true Christian humility. The path to greatness in the kingdom of God is the path of humility.
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