“There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which every one in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else; and of which hardly any people, except Christians, ever imagine that they are guilty of themselves” (Lewis 121). Effectively drawing the reader in, C.S. Lewis opens the eighth chapter of the third book in Mere Christianity with this quote. Unfortunately, pride or self-conceit are vices that affect humans without exception. Lewis writes that all sin roots itself in pride. In reading this bold observation, one begs the question, “is pride really the root of all sin, or is the thought exaggerated?” Also are people today more or less focused on themselves than those in past times? How does one combat the sin of pride?
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Pride, the root of all sin, may seem as if it cannot be cured. In reality, one can battle pride, but only with the proper tools. To effectively fight pride, one must first recognize it in its true identity. If left unattended, the root of all sin can mature into a nasty disease. One must actively cultivate humility. Contrary to popular belief, the humble person does not think less of themselves. They do not demean themselves. Rather, they think of themselves less. Unselfishly, they place others’ needs above their own. Though humble people take pleasure in their accomplishments, they never gloat or brag. As Lewis writes, “We must not think that Pride is something God forbids because he is offended at it, or the Humility is something He demands as due to His own dignity – as God Himself was proud” (Lewis 127). To know God deeply and to seek His face is to counteract the desires of pride. Lewis continues that god desires to give Himself to man. If in any way, man connects with God, he will, in fact, be humble. With this connection, man will delight in his humility, relieved that he has, at last, rid himself of his own dignity. After all, man’s dignity causes unrest and unhappiness. Knowing god and connecting with Him regularly rids man of this stress. As man finally understands his identity in Christ, his pride disappears and becomes Christ’s humility. To effectively attack pride, one must recognize it in its true identity and, in turn, connect with God to rid themselves of selfish, human
Pride, the root of all sin, may seem as if it cannot be cured. In reality, one can battle pride, but only with the proper tools. To effectively fight pride, one must first recognize it in its true identity. If left unattended, the root of all sin can mature into a nasty disease. One must actively cultivate humility. Contrary to popular belief, the humble person does not think less of themselves. They do not demean themselves. Rather, they think of themselves less. Unselfishly, they place others’ needs above their own. Though humble people take pleasure in their accomplishments, they never gloat or brag. As Lewis writes, “We must not think that Pride is something God forbids because he is offended at it, or the Humility is something He demands as due to His own dignity – as God Himself was proud” (Lewis 127). To know God deeply and to seek His face is to counteract the desires of pride. Lewis continues that god desires to give Himself to man. If in any way, man connects with God, he will, in fact, be humble. With this connection, man will delight in his humility, relieved that he has, at last, rid himself of his own dignity. After all, man’s dignity causes unrest and unhappiness. Knowing god and connecting with Him regularly rids man of this stress. As man finally understands his identity in Christ, his pride disappears and becomes Christ’s humility. To effectively attack pride, one must recognize it in its true identity and, in turn, connect with God to rid themselves of selfish, human