Pride

If it hadn’t been for the encouragement of his trusted servants, Naaman’s pride would have prevented his healing.

Read 2 Kings 5:1-14.

Naaman, who has had great military success and has garnered the respect of his king, is desperate to be healed of his leprosy. He receives word from his wife’s servant that the cure would be found with the prophet of Israel. Notice that Naaman doesn’t go to the prophet. Instead, he goes to the king of Israel. Clearly, he believes only someone of such high standing can be trusted with his care. After the king rejects his request, Naaman arrives at the door of the prophet Elisha, who gives instructions through a messenger. Rather than being grateful for an easy, painless cure, Naaman is insulted that Elisha didn’t show him what he believed to be the respect he deserved. If it hadn’t been for the encouragement of his trusted servants, Naaman’s pride would have prevented his healing.

We don’t often think about pride as an impediment, let alone a sin. Pride often prevents us from admitting we are wrong, from offering sincere apologies, or from asking for help. As in Naaman’s case, sometimes pride shows up as ingratitude. Can you think of times when pride has undermined your closeness to God or to others? Have there been times when pride has prevented you from asking for or accepting help? In what ways does pride affect the way you see yourself or others? What is the difference between pride and confidence? Is there such a thing as healthy pride?

In prayer, ask God to show you where pride is showing up as sin in your life and for help in addressing the issue.

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