I walked into the Relief Society activity with a grumpy attitude.
I had so many things on my to-do list, and after a tough day with my kids…
I just honestly didn’t want to be there.
There was a service activity set up on the tables that required us to sew.
(Something that I am not good at.)
I glanced over at the dessert table in the corner and noticed it was filled with cheesecake.
(My least favorite dessert.)
Pride is one of the sneakiest sins because it’s tricky to notice.
I wish I could tell you I had a change of heart at that service activity…
But I didn’t.
It wasn’t until I was reflecting later that I realized most of my bad attitude stemmed from me thinking all about myself and what I thought was best.
What if I had walked in with a humble attitude, ready to serve and do God’s will?
Maybe I could have made a new friend.
Or comforted someone else who was having a rough day, too.
Maybe I could have humbly tried to learn a new skill and strengthened a friendship in the process.
Maybe I could have offered to help clean up while others enjoyed dessert so the organizers wouldn’t have to stay late.
The Lord so succinctly warns: “Beware of pride.” (D&C 38:39)
It is truly so difficult to weed out pride in our fallen state.
But I have found it becomes much easier when I think:
“Is this what a humble servant of God with a soft and willing heart would do?”
Beware of pride.
“Simply stated, if you or I do not believe we could be afflicted with and by pride, then we are vulnerable and in spiritual danger.” – David A. Bednar
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
8 Responses
This is so on point. No one is above of being prideful. The warning of the Lord is a loving one. Pride is like poisoning gas, it affects you before you are aware of it. Prevention is to know you not immune to it.
Love this thought. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, I needed this. I have allowed pride to creep into my life. I need to change. Thanks
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Thank you Cali for this …. this is sometimes my attitude to Relief Society…. but what you said made me look at myself and tell myself to “wise up” … and stop being prideful!!!! I need more humility in my life. Thank you again. L>
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The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis is an amazing short story that creatively illustrates some different forms of pride that I think we are all guilty of. It’s amazing! If you want to know how sneaky pride can be, that book is so short (3 hr listen), and absolutely worth it!
Thanks for the recommendation!