The Noah's Webster 1828 dictionary defines the two words as this:
PRIDE: to pride one's self; to indulge pride; to value one's self; to gratify self-esteem (prideful: full of pride; insolent; scornful).
HUMBLE: to make humble, to abase the pride of; to reduce arrogance and self-dependence; to make meek and submissive to the divine will.
Last night during a simple game of checkers, one of our children set into motion the learning of a very important life lesson- without even knowing it. What began as a fun game turned into a lesson in pride for the entire family. We've been talking a lot about the importance of 'saying what you mean and meaning what you say.'
This particular child made a statement and then later refused to follow through. The statement alone wasn't important at all, it was the refusal and sheer disobedience that was shown. Proverbs 13:10 says, "By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom."
Proverbs 29: 23 says, " A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor."
Hubby and I explained to this child, many times, that because of his/her actions the game turned from fun to not-so-fun. The child fought and fought and fought....making it obvious that pride was the issue. Even though the experience wasn't delightful to watch, the other children in the family learned something very valuable. We, as parents, were not mean but were firm in our parenting (and taught this lesson with love)- they all understood that pride is not a good trait and that it doesn't get one very far. One of the older children sat right on the couch and 'confessed' to us that sometimes he/she has pride and it's not a good thing. That was a HUGE moment because even though we all knew it, the breakthrough was that this particular child confessed it on his/her own. And this child also confessed that he/she doesn't desire to have a prideful heart like that...
After the 'event' was over and the child finally 'followed through,' everyone went on a walk together and rode bikes as Hubby pushed our smallest one in the stroller. The night ended well and we were able spend some more good family time together.... and a very important lesson was learned by all.
4 comments:
I have been trying to figure out a way to teach one of my children this lesson as well.I am failing miserably.Dont know how to make a young child understand pride.
I keep forgetting to sign with my new ID.LOL
I have really committed to praying more specifically for my children in recent days and one issue that God has impressed upon me for a couple of my children is the issue of pride. I have one who is VERY prideful. The other is a child who I have very little problem with but he readily admitted in his bible response journal that he deals with pride, which kind of turned on a "light bulb" for me. In typing this, I can see prideful traits in another of my children. I even deal with it myself sometimes! Thank you for this very timely post!
we've worked very hard for a long time on "saying what you mean and meaning what you say" with one of our children. that really stood out at me. thanks for sharing, girl!
hope you and the newest are doing well!
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