by Francis W. Porretto
Probably my worst failing — definitely my most persistent one — is pugnacity. Eagerness to blow the bugles and charge into battle ill becomes one striving for the degree of humility appropriate to any fallible man. What has made me this way, I cannot be certain, but it seems to me that it must be coupled to another of my longstanding shortcomings: pride.
There is such a thing as just pride: sincere pride in one’s achievements that makes room for the equally just pride of others. A pride that refuses to exalt oneself above one’s fellows or to denigrate others of lesser attainments. There’s a gray zone between that and the sort of self-worshipping pride that renders one obnoxious, but all the same it’s usually possible to be certain that one is on the “right side” of that boundary.
Now, as it happens, I’m a Christian. That is, I accept the theology stated in the Nicene Creed. The code of ethics that accompanies that theology preaches against (excessive) pride as one of the seven capital sins: the seven dispositions of attitude and emotion that can easily lead one to commit a mortal sin. However, I’d like to think I’d appreciate the dangers inherent in excessive pride even without the Church to tell me so.
But not everyone appears to be aware of that danger:
Heb 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
God indeed proves that He exists to those who are willing to listen and obey. Those who live according to creeds and laws formulated by men do not truly understand biblical faith. It is God’s grace bestowed upon man that enables man to know that He exists. Search the Scriptures and you will find a “pattern” that describes how God reveals Himself to man.
Pro 1:20
Wisdom calls aloud outside;
She raises her voice in the open squares.
Pro 1:21
She cries out in the chief concourses, [fn]
At the openings of the gates in the city
She speaks her words:
Pro 1:22
“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
For scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge.
Pro 1:23
Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.
This is an example of God’s promise to man.