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Pride: The Silent Sin the World Glorifies

Hey sisters,

Let’s talk about something that’s both personal and pervasive: pride.

It’s all around us. Social media preaches “self-love,” culture screams “believe in yourself,” and nearly every commercial, graduation speech, and influencer post pushes the idea that you’re the center of your own universe. But behind all that glitter is a dangerous lie that pride is good.

But God’s Word tells us the opposite: “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18; “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6; “For the day belonging to the LORD of Armies is coming against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up, it will be humbled.” Isaiah 2:12 

These are not just warnings, they’re spiritual realities. Pride isn’t just a personality flaw. It’s sin. It’s rebellion against God’s rightful place as King. And it’s being celebrated by a world that’s forgotten its Maker.

A Preschool Graduation and a Glimpse of Our Culture

Not long ago, I watched a preschool graduation. It should have been sweet and light-hearted, and it was, in a way. But then, the kids began shouting things like “I’m enough!” “I’m special!” and more, over and over again.

Now don’t get me wrong, children are precious, and we are special because God made us. But without the truth of God’s Word anchoring that message, what we saw that day was loud, self-centered indoctrination. A worldly script playing out in miniature voices. It made me wonder: what are we teaching the next generation about identity and worth? Yes, I’m important to Him. I’m special because I was created by Him. But apart from God, all this self-celebration becomes a trap. A celebration of self that leads us away from the cross, not toward it.

Why Does the World Glorify Pride?

Because pride exalts self, and our world is obsessed with self. In fact, the world often confuses pride with confidence, but they are not the same.  

  • Confidence is rooted in God’s truth and our identity in Christ.
  • Pride is rooted in self-exaltation, often apart from God.
Dr. John MacArthur wrote: “Pride is the root sin that caused Satan’s fall, and it is the root sin that causes every other sin. It is the great enemy of true spirituality.”
Culture tells us: “You do you.” “Follow your heart.” “Live your truth.” But Scripture warns us:

“The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable, who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9

Sisters, the heart can’t be trusted if it’s not led by the Spirit of God. Following our hearts without Scripture as our compass is a sure road to ruin.

What Does Humility Really Mean?

Humility is a beautiful virtue, but one the world often misunderstands. It’s not weakness, and it’s not low self-esteem. It’s not denying your gifts or pretending you're worthless. Humility is having a right view of yourself in light of who God is. 

“For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.”  Romans 12:3 

“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 

Humility is knowing that everything good in us comes from God and for God. As Charles Spurgeon said: “Humility is to make a right estimate of oneself.”

Empowered to Live for God’s Glory

As women, we are constantly surrounded by messages about empowerment: “girl power,” “boss babe,” “you’re enough.” And if we don’t learn to filter those messages through Scripture, even we as grown women can start to believe the lies.

True empowerment doesn’t come from slogans or self-help. It comes from the Holy Spirit living inside us.

“I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. … But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:16, 22-23

When we submit to the Spirit of God, we are empowered to:

Live humbly

Serve joyfully

Obey faithfully

Love sacrificially

Die to self daily

This is what it means to be a woman of strength. Not loud pride, but quiet dependence. Not worldly empowerment, but divine enablement.

We are not here to glorify ourselves but to glorify God.

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. … Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14,16

Practical Ways to Fight Pride:

  • Stay in the Word
  • The Word exposes our pride and corrects our thinking.
  • Pray for a humble heart
  • God loves a contrite and humble heart (Isaiah 66:2).
  • Confess pride when you see it
  • Bring it to the light. Pride hides in silence. But confession brings healing (1 John 1:9).
  • Serve others quietly and consistently
  • Service kills self-centeredness. It reminds us that it’s not about being seen, it’s about being faithful.

Sisters, let’s be women who walk in humility, shaped by grace, and filled with the Spirit. Let’s raise daughters, disciple friends, and speak truth in love, even when it goes against the grain of this world.
There is no need to shout “I’m special!” to prove your worth. You already have infinite worth, because He made you, He saved you, and He lives in you.

Love,

Andrea Anderegg

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