We all have it. From time to time, it comes out in ugly ways. And as parents, we see it in our kids. But if we’re honest, we know they probably learned it from us. That’s where the idea for this talking about pride cartoon came from.
One moment, we’re doing pretty good with handling pride. The next moment, we believe we are royalty and deserve the red carpet treatment. That’s just human nature, isn’t it? We all believe we deserve to be king or queen.
Delight in Our Kids vs. Arrogance
The kind of pride I’m talking about is not the pride parents take in our children, or the pride we take in a job well done. Rather, the pride I am addressing in this cartoon is the arrogance and haughtiness that we all fall into if we aren’t careful. It’s the kind of arrogance addressed in this proverb:
“Pride goes before destruction,
Proverbs 16:18 (NLT)
and haughtiness before a fall.”
Focus on the Family has a good article on the difference between parental pride vs. sinful pride. It is good for us parents to show delight in our kids. However, a pride that leads to entitlement and mistreating others isn’t helpful. It is one thing to be proud of the way our child plays a sport. It is another thing entirely to become a poor sport and bully a referee or their coach.
King of the World
We have the challenge of encouraging our kids and help them live up to their potential. Yet, it is also our job to teach humility and consideration for others. It is quite a fine line.
Not only that, but it’s a mindset we need to exhibit to our kids if they are to learn it. Are we teachable? Do we consider others that have a differing opinion or lot in life? Are we teachable?
It’s a hard lesson for all of us. So that’s what is behind this talking about pride cartoon.
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.
