BY DRU PERERA, FOUNDER OF GLOBAL RESET
Would you rather be biblically correct or politically correct? Pride, not evil, is a problem every generation faces. In this day and age, most societies around the world celebrate June as Pride Month. As Christians, because we are expected to speak the truth in love, we have a choice to make here; we can choose to be Biblically correct or politically correct.
‘World Citizen’ or ‘Citizen of Heaven’? According to the 2023 American Worldview Inventory, the bulk of the American adult population—82%—falls into the “World Citizen” category, described as people “who may embrace a few biblical principles but generally believe and behave in ways that are distinct from biblical teaching.” A mere 4% hold a biblical worldview. As Martin Luther King Jr noted, the true measure of our faith is not displayed in where we stand in moments of convenience and comfort, but in where we choose to stand at times of challenge and controversy. We can’t afford to sit on the fence here because pride is a serious act of sinful rebellion against God.
How do we speak the truth in love without condemning others. Pride is considered the worst and original of the seven deadly sins. While the concept of sin is a hard sell to atheists and agnostics alike, the seven deadly sins are part of the collective consciousness regardless of belief. In his book, Win the Day, my Pastor, Mark Batterson, says, “Scripture is our script and our script-cure. And that is more than a play on words. Scripture confronts the false identities and false narratives perpetrated by the Father of Lies” (p, 24). So, let’s look at some of the biblical script-cures for pride.
Flipping the script on pride. Here are four Biblical examples:
- Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
- Proverbs 18:12 – “Before his downfall, a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honour.”
- 1 Peter 5:5-6 – “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”
- James 4:6 – “He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.”
Pride comes before a fall. The further you go and the higher you climb, the harder it is to remain humble and do what is right instead of what is convenient or popular. Knowing what you stand for, being clear about what hills you are willing to die on, and what’s not for sale or up for discussion will help you become more intentional about how, when, and where you steward your time, talent, and treasure. That intentionality, over time, will “create standard operating procedures in your life and become the fuel that will get you to the finish line” (Brad Lomenick, H3 Leadership).
Eliminate pride. Elevate humility. The call to eliminate pride here is not about speaking out against the LGBTQ community because there is no condemnation in Christ; it’s simply an invitation for you as a Christian to consider where you stand. Are you part of the Christian majority who live as ‘World Citizens’ or part of the “Biblical worldview minority?
Here’s a suggestion for those who want to be part of the Biblical worldview minority. A habit of conviction is one rhythm that helps me stay humble. I have two lists because, although they go hand-in-hand, there’s a difference between convictions and principles
What are you willing to die for? From a Christian worldview, convictions are personal beliefs based on Biblical principles governing our lives. If we are not living by them, then they are not convictions. We do not need to listen to someone to know their convictions because it can be seen in how they live and lead. Principles are Bible truths that we must live by to please God. These truths remain unchanged, immaterial of time, location, or individuals or based on whether they are accepted or rejected by any given society.
Why should you cultivate a habit of conviction, and what does it have to do with staying humble? Developing a habit of conviction will help you remain humble and ensure you never compromise your values. Here are the lists I created over two decades ago that continue to help me keep sight of who I am and challenge me to grow in humility. Here’s my proof; a former colleague recently reached out, saying:
A friend who wanted to know about you … I picked my book (H3 Leadership), flipped through the pages and said, let me read you a few lines that sum Druinie up well, “She knows what she values and why she values it. She has a strong moral compass and keeps it in plain sight so as never to get lost in the woods.”
How can you elevate humility this June so you never get lost in the woods?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dru is a certified coach with two decades of leadership experience. She has discovered that human beings are hardwired with unique rest-work life rhythms to keep them flourishing from the inside out. Her thinking is counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Dru helps people move into these zones of discomfort and discover how they can use their unique rest-work-life rhythms to live and lead with purpose and passion. When you are ready to live and lead proactively, visit her website for more information: coachmyreset.com
