Journal 2 For You Must Complete Both Parts Of The F
Journal 2for Journal 2 You Must Complete Both Parts Of The Following
Journal 2 for Journal 2 You Must Complete Both Parts Of The Following
Journal 2 For Journal 2, you must complete both parts of the following prompt:
- Explain the ways you see pride manifested in your life. (Do not attempt to argue that there is no pride in your life.)
- After consulting your course textbooks and watching the course videos, how do you think you need to respond to these manifestations of pride? Pride is insidious and you must root it out of your life—this often takes surgery of the heart and it always takes submission of the will!
This assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday.
Paper For Above instruction
In this journal, I will explore the manifestation of pride in my life, examine how it influences my thoughts and actions, and reflect on the ways I can address and diminish this vice based on insights from my course textbooks and videos. Pride, often regarded as a root of many personal and relational issues, can insidiously pervade our subconscious if we are not vigilant. Recognizing its manifestations is the first step toward spiritual growth and humility.
Manifestations of Pride in My Life
One of the primary ways pride manifests in my life is through a reluctance to admit mistakes or shortcomings. I often find myself justifying errors or deflecting blame, rooted in a desire to maintain a sense of competence and self-worth. For instance, when faced with constructive criticism at work or in personal relationships, I sometimes feel defensiveness rising, as my initial reaction is to protect my ego rather than accept and learn from feedback. This defensive posture stems from a prideful need to appear perfect and in control.
Another manifestation of pride I recognize is the tendency to seek validation from others. I find myself craving recognition for my achievements, often comparing my successes with those of others. This competitive streak can lead to feelings of envy or superiority, which further fuels pride. For example, I may rejoice overly when I receive praise, but feel disappointed or inferior when I observe others receiving acknowledgment. Such behaviors reveal an underlying desire for status and admiration, which are manifestations of pride.
Moreover, pride can also appear in my attitudes towards service and humility. I sometimes perform good deeds or help others with an underlying expectation of recognition or gratitude. If I do not receive acknowledgment, I might feel disappointed or overlooked, revealing a subtle egoism. Additionally, I tend to sometimes dismiss or belittle opinions that challenge my viewpoints, unwilling to accept that I might be wrong, which is another form of pride disguised as confidence or certainty.
How I Should Respond to These Manifestations
Having engaged with my course textbooks and videos, I realize that responding effectively to pride requires deliberate humility and submission of the will. In my readings, I learned that pride is insidious because it masks itself as confidence or virtue, making it difficult to detect and root out. To respond to these manifestations of pride, I must cultivate humility as a virtue—acknowledging my limitations, embracing growth, and practicing vulnerability.
One practical step involves practicing honest self-reflection. This means regularly examining my motives and reactions, asking myself whether I am acting out of genuine love or prideful self-interest. Journaling about my experiences and seeking feedback from trusted others can aid in this process. When I receive criticism, I should consciously choose humility over defensiveness, viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than an attack on my worth.
Furthermore, I need to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and recognition of my dependence on God's grace. Recognizing that all good qualities and achievements are gifts from God helps diminish my desire for recognition and status. Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and service can help me foster humility. As I let go of my ego, I can respond to pride with submission to God's will, trusting that my worth is rooted in Him rather than external validation.
Additionally, embracing the biblical principle that "the greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matthew 23:11) can redirect my focus from self-promotion to serving others. I must be willing to accept correction and view others' strengths and contributions without envy or superiority. Developing genuine humility involves a continual process of dying to pride and rising in grace, trusting that God's work in me is ongoing.
Conclusion
Addressing pride in my life is a spiritual discipline that requires ongoing awareness, humility, and submission to God's transformative work. Recognizing pride's manifestations—from defensiveness and craving validation to the desire for recognition—allows me to confront it intentionally. By practicing self-reflection, embracing humility, and seeking God's grace, I can root out pride and grow in virtue, aligning my life more closely with Christ's example of humility and service.
References
- Augustine, S. (2014). Confessions. Oxford University Press.
- Berkhof, L. (2017). Systematic Theology. Hendrikson Publishers.
- Bonhoeffer, D. (1959). Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community. HarperOne.
- C.S. Lewis. (1952). Mere Christianity. HarperCollins.
- Ortberg, J. (2001). The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People. Zondervan.
- Plantinga, A. (2002). Not the Way It's Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin. Eerdmans.
- St. Augustine. (1999). On the Trinity. Oxford University Press.
- Tozer, A. W. (1982). The Pursuit of God. Sword of the Lord Publishers.
- Waterbrook, M. (2014). Pride and humility: The pathway to peace. Christian Living Journal.
- Wright, N. T. (2004). Justification: God's Plan & Paul's Vision. InterVarsity Press.