41 Evidences of Pride, by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth for Revive Our Hearts

Do you look down on those who are less educated, less affluent, less refined, or less successful than yourself?
Do you think of yourself as more spiritual than your mate, others in your church?
Do you have a judgmental spirit toward those who don’t make the same lifestyle choices you do . . . dress standards, how you school your kids, entertainment standards, etc.?
Are you quick to find fault with others and to verbalize those thoughts to others?
Do you have a sharp, critical tongue?
Do you frequently correct or criticize your mate, your pastor, or other people in positions of leadership (teachers, youth director, etc.)?
Do you give undue time, attention, and effort to your physical appearance—hair, make-up, clothing, weight, body shape, avoiding the appearance of aging?
Are you proud of the schedule you keep, how disciplined you are, how much you are able to accomplish?
Are you driven to receive approval, praise, or acceptance from others?
Are you argumentative?
Do you generally think your way is the right way, the only way, or the best way?
Do you have a touchy, sensitive spirit? Easily offended? Get your feelings hurt easily?
Are you guilty of pretense? Trying to leave a better impression of yourself than is really true? (Would the people at church be shocked if they knew what you were like at home?)
Do you have a hard time admitting when you are wrong?
Do you have a hard time confessing your sin to God or others? (not just in generalities but specifics)
Do you have a hard time sharing your real spiritual needs/struggles with others?
Do you have a hard time praying aloud with others?
Are you excessively shy?
Do you have a hard time reaching out and being friendly to people you don’t know at church?
Do you resent being asked or expected to serve your family, your parents, or others?
Do you become defensive when you are criticized or corrected?
Are you a perfectionist? Do you get irked or impatient with people who aren’t?
Do you tend to be controlling—of your mate, your children, friends, those in your workplace?
Do you frequently interrupt people when they are speaking?
Does your husband feel intimidated by your “spirituality”?
Does your husband feel like he can never measure up to your expectations of what it means to be a good husband, spiritual leader, etc.?
Do you often complain—about the weather, your health, your circumstances, your job, your church?
Do you talk about yourself too much?
Are you more concerned about your problems, needs, burdens than about others’ concerns?
Do you worry about what others think of you? Too concerned about your reputation or your family’s reputation?
Do you neglect to express gratitude for “little things”? To God? To others?
Do you neglect prayer and intake of the Word?
Do you get hurt if your accomplishments/or acts of service are not recognized or rewarded?
Do you get hurt if your feelings or opinions are not considered when your mate or your boss is making a decision or if you are not informed when a change or decision is made?
Do you react to rules? Do you have a hard time being told what to do?
Are you self-conscious because of your lack of education or natural beauty or your socio-economic status?
Do you avoid participating in certain events, for fear of being embarrassed or looking foolish?
Do you avoid being around certain people because you feel inferior compared to them/don’t feel you measure up?
Are you uncomfortable inviting people to your home because you don’t think it’s nice enough or you can’t afford to do lavish entertaining?
Is it hard for you to let others know when you need help (practical or spiritual)?
When is the last time you said these words to a family member, friend, or coworker: “I was wrong; would you please forgive me?” (If it’s been more than a month, mark it down!)

Are you sitting here thinking how many of these questions apply to someone you know? Feeling pretty good that none of these things really apply to you?

Today’s guest post comes to us from Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth for Revive Our Hearts.

Your partner in ministry,

Nelson

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.