How Pride Destroys You
Stay vigilant.
A deacon friend of mine mentioned during a conversation we were having last year something that has stuck with me ever since and which has helped me stay very vigilant against the great sin of pride.
We were talking about the road to virtue, and discussing whether or not a man could ever be 100% free from sin. His position (and mine too), was that it would never be possible to be defeat sin completely, for many reasons, one of which was the following:
The fight against sin is never ending because every time you manage to defeat one sinful inclination, others will rise to the surface and demand your attention. And usually, those sins which are most scandalous (like lust and other sins of the flesh), are the easiest to see and fight against, precisely because they are so visible and external. After you’ve defeated those, the real fight begins, against sins which are tougher to beat, and which can much more easily fly under your radar and take a hold of you.
I’m paraphrasing what he said, but it was something along the lines of: “the real fight is usually not against lust, gluttony, and other bodily appetites. That’s a fight that, while not easily won, it’s easily seen. You can see the adversary clearly, you can know quite well when you’ve failed. No, the real battle is against the sins of pride and arrogance that come after you’ve defeated lesser sins like those of the flesh. Because then you start feeling all high and mighty, you start feeling better than everyone around you, more holy, more pure, and that’s what you should be more vigilant against.”
Of course you should also guard yourself against the temptations of the flesh, but isn’t it true that those sins are so clear and so scandalous that at least we know if we’re falling for them or not?
Pride is more subtle. And ironically —the devil pulls this trick—, pride usually has the strongest pull when you’ve done things that are good: defeating lust and other vices, shown strong devotion to God, or performed charitable works.
The real problem is the sin of pride, and most specifically, spiritual pride. When you’re committed to pursuing sanctity, you will hopefully, through God’s grace, grow in virtue. You’ll become wiser, more just, more charitable. These are all incredible gifts. But the devil can use even those beautiful gifts to tempt you.
He will start whispering in your ear to look down upon those who are behind in their spiritual journey. He’ll tell you to look with contempt at those who don’t kneel to receive the Eucharist. He’ll tell you to scoff at those who don’t know that the orans posture is reserved for the priest and not for the congregation. He’ll tell you that you are better than those who still struggle with their appetites.
He’ll start to make you feel all high and mighty, and unless you’re permanently vigilant against his schemes, he’ll succeed at making you forget that everything you have has been give to you freely by God almighty.
I like to remember this often, whenever I feel the pull of pride.
So by all means, fight with all your might against those scandalous sins of the flesh. Defeat them. But remember that that’s when the real fight begins. That’s when the devil will try to twist the good progress you’re making to make you forget that you are a wretched sinner desperately needing salvation, like everyone else around you.
God bless you and stay vigilant,
Juan
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As Teresa of Avila wrote in the interior castle, Pride is the lack of self knowledge combined with the failure to gaze on God's goodness. If we would examen ourselves while keeping our eyes on Christ we would grow in humility. And it is true humility in the face of Christ that crushes sin and guards us in his divine union.
If I understand your Deacon's instructions, it would seem the fight is to keep ones eyes ever on the Lord. What then can we say of vigilance other than it must be to be like a virgin, lamp in hand, wicks tended, oil at the ready, for the bridegroom consumes every last synapse and she is ever expectant for his return.
Thank you for this piece. It was a fruitful meditation for me. I wish you well and enjoy always reading your work.
I really appreciate this reflection. One thought though: Scripture says all sin separates us from God (James 2:10), so I wonder if it’s less about ‘greater’ sins and more about how pride is harder to notice in ourselves no matter where we are in our faith journey.