Pride is often easy to recognize in others but much harder to see within ourselves. Even the closest followers of Jesus, His disciples, struggled with hidden pride. In Luke 9:46-48, we witness a moment where the disciples argue over who among them would be the greatest, revealing their inner pride. Jesus gently rebukes them, teaching that true greatness comes through humility and service. Today, we will explore how hidden pride can manifest in our lives and how we can combat it with a heart of humility.
Today’s Scripture
“Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.'” – Luke 9:46-48 (NKJV)
The Subtlety of Hidden Pride
The disciples had walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and heard His teachings, yet they still struggled with hidden pride. Their dispute over who would be the greatest reveals that even those closest to Christ are not immune to the dangers of pride. Often, pride is not overt but hides behind good intentions or seemingly innocent desires. The disciples likely believed that their desire for greatness was justified, but Jesus saw into their hearts and recognized the pride lurking beneath.
Pride Masquerading as Ambition
One of the ways hidden pride shows itself is through ambition. While it is not wrong to strive for excellence or pursue goals, ambition can become prideful when it seeks personal glory or recognition. The disciples’ desire to be seen as the greatest among their peers was a form of self-promotion, born out of pride. We, too, can fall into this trap, seeking validation or recognition for our achievements rather than focusing on serving others.
Pride in Comparison
Another subtle way pride manifests is through comparison. The disciples were not content with following Jesus; they wanted to know who among them was the best. This attitude of comparison breeds insecurity and competition, leading us to measure our worth by how we stack up against others. Instead of embracing the unique roles and callings God has given us, we become preoccupied with our standing in relation to others, allowing pride to take root.
The Call to Humility
In response to the disciples’ dispute, Jesus brought a child before them and used this humble figure to teach a profound lesson. In the kingdom of God, greatness is not measured by power, status, or recognition but by humility and service. Jesus’ message was clear: those who seek to elevate themselves will be brought low, but those who humble themselves will be exalted.
True Greatness Through Humility
Jesus’ choice to use a child as an example of greatness speaks volumes about the nature of humility. In the culture of that time, children held little status or authority, yet Jesus elevated their position to illustrate that true greatness lies in being willing to serve without seeking recognition. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but about recognizing the value of others and serving them wholeheartedly.
Serving Without Expectation
Jesus calls us to serve without expectation of reward or recognition. Hidden pride can lead us to serve others only when there is something in it for us—whether that’s praise, validation, or a sense of superiority. True humility, however, is marked by service that expects nothing in return, simply because it is the right thing to do. As Jesus demonstrated, greatness is found in serving others selflessly, without concern for personal gain.
Practical Steps to Uncover and Overcome Hidden Pride
- Examine Your Motives Regularly: Ask yourself why you pursue certain goals or actions. Are you seeking recognition or validation, or are you truly motivated by a desire to serve and honor God? Regular self-examination can help you uncover hidden pride.
- Celebrate Others’ Successes: Instead of comparing yourself to others, intentionally celebrate their accomplishments. This practice will help you shift your focus from competing to supporting and encouraging those around you.
- Engage in Acts of Service: Look for opportunities to serve in ways that might go unnoticed or unrecognized. These humble acts help cultivate a heart of service and remind you that true greatness comes from giving, not receiving.
- Pray for a Humble Heart: Ask God to reveal areas where pride may be hiding and to help you embrace humility. Through prayer, you can invite the Holy Spirit to guide your actions and attitudes, helping you resist the pull of pride.
Conclusion
The disciples’ argument over who would be the greatest reminds us that even those closest to Jesus can struggle with pride. Hidden pride often masquerades as ambition or comparison, blinding us to the true nature of greatness in God’s kingdom. Jesus’ example of placing a child before the disciples shows that humility and service, not self-promotion, are the marks of greatness. As we seek to follow Jesus’ teachings, may we be vigilant in uncovering hidden pride and embrace the humility that leads to true greatness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we ask that You reveal any hidden pride within our hearts. Help us to seek humility and serve others with pure intentions, just as Jesus taught. May we resist the temptation to compare ourselves to others and instead focus on loving and serving without expectation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
