THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022, PRIDE

 THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022, PRIDE

I’ve been going through the “Seven Deadly Sins” and have arrived at “Pride”.

Pride definition, as “A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.”

Okay, if a person has pleasure from their achievements is that bad?

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

“But even this kind of pride can be a slippery slope — if we end up taking credit for what we’ve done instead of thanking God for helping us. Pride is the deadliest of all sins because it leads to all other sins. Pride is delusional, spiteful, and bitter. At its root, it declares, “I don’t want God to be God. I want to be God!”

“Sinful pride is refusing to recognize God’s sovereign role in everything. “Good pride” is recognizing that apart from God, you can do nothing (John 15:5), and, therefore, giving God the glory for the things you accomplish.

“In other words, anything that dethrones God from your heart is deadly.

*****

I have (at least I think I have) a more appropriate name - EGO.

*****

By the time I got my doctorate and was promoted to Full Professor at Dakota State, my ego was growing.  I had been Dean for five years.  When a friend had checked the state records and told me I was the highest-paid professor at Dakota State, my ego grew a little more.  

I was getting involved in my professional organization and was the first person to chair an ISECON conference more than twice (I did it four times).  

Then I went to Quinnipiac as a Full Professor.  And, I kept getting involved.  AIS-SIGED, AITP-SIGED, ABET CSAB, CAC, Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, Fulbright exchange program, consultant, ICCP board, lots of publications, AITP IS Educator of the Year, Quinnipiac University Center of Excellence in Teacher, Student Senate Outstanding Professor Award, James Marshall award for outstanding service. I had been to Belarus (twice), Ireland (twice), Kazakhstan, and Puerto Rico - and hadn’t spent a dime (okay, I might have spent a little money).

BOOM - that was my EGO exploding!!!

“Boy was I good!!”  I was somehow waiting for my invitation to give a Ted Talk (and I’m still waiting - except it would be a very different talk these days!!

*****

Then we had twin granddaughters in Texas, I ‘retired’ and we moved to Texas. I taught for three years at the University of Texas - and didn’t go to any conferences, didn’t travel on the University’s money - and had my eyes open.  I was ‘pride-full’, I was ‘egotistical’.  I was wrong.

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I also had been judgmental and that I was claiming the “greatness” - and not giving the glory to God.

Then a major health issue - and being (figuratively) smacked in the head by a two-by-four.  

*****

I quote a Biblical passage frequently - Micah 6:8 “What does God expect of you, but to love justice, show mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

Walk humbly with your God?  Humble?  Cmon - humility isn’t much fun!!  Being a “big shot” is much better!!

*****

I’m glad God gave me a second chance.

I know that I will die.  I know my body (and maybe my mind) will deteriorate, I will get old and feeble.  I keep walking four to five miles a day to be a little stronger physically but know it's only a temporary fix.  

So, here the old ‘big time’ professor is now a lowly, senior woman.  And, every day I seek God’s face.  I’ve been stripped of my honors and awards (they are still there in the history book).  What’s important to me?  Being open and honest to God - and trusting in his/her/its/the forces ways.  

““Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people —robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

*****

I used to be in the front, bragging about my achievements, but now I’m in the back “God be merciful to me - a sinner”.

LOVE WINS!!

Karen 

June 8, 2022