Pride

How to Spot Pride in Yourself

We often try to immortalize ourselves by striving to be remembered, admired, or seen as significant—whether through achievements, influence, or image. Pride can subtly show up in these efforts, masking itself as ambition or excellence, but ultimately fueling a desire to glorify the self rather than God. One way this pride reveals itself is in how we try to impress others: through earning good grades, presenting ourselves with fashion and glamour, collecting likes and follows on social media, showcasing talents like singing, sports, or dancing, or even by trying to be seen as the “best” Christian at church. Each of these can become a way of preserving our ego and seeking affirmation apart from God.

Fear and Shame

Pride often hides behind fear and shame, making it difficult to recognize. What we fear losing the most—whether it’s our reputation, achievements, or sense of control—is often what we’re most proud of. Likewise, the very things we feel most ashamed or insecure about can point to hidden pride, as we compensate by trying to prove the opposite. If you reflect on what you fear losing or what makes you feel inadequate, you may begin to uncover where pride is quietly shaping your identity.

Spiritual Pride

Spiritual pride is the most dangerous form of pride because it hides behind things that appear good and godly. It surfaces when we begin to feel superior to others—not because of obvious sins, but because of our faith, our knowledge of the Bible, our good behavior, or our active involvement in church. These are all gifts of grace, but pride twists them into reasons for self-exaltation, making us forget that we are all equally in need of God’s mercy.

Signs of Spiritual Pride

• You think that you are a better Christian than others.
• You judge others for not being as spiritual as you.
• You feel good about yourself because you pray more.
• You are more focused on looking godly than being godly.
• You act holy at church but don’t seek God when no one’s watching.
• You post verses online but ignore God in private.
• You use your Bible knowledge as a weapon, not a tool for love.
• You win arguments about God but don’t help people know God.
• You know all the right answers to Biblical questions but are impatient or unkind.
• You avoid confession or admitting weakness.
• You hide your struggles to keep a spiritual image.
• You are afraid to ask for help because you want others to see you as strong.
• You resist correction or spiritual advice.
• You think you don’t need to grow—or believe you’re already mature.
• You get defensive when someone corrects you.

Signs of Humility in Spiritual Life

• You are quick to accept that you do not know, but you are ready to learn.
• You listen to others and ask God to search your heart.
• You rejoice when others grow spiritually, even if they steal the spotlight from you.
• You always remember that you are not saved because you’re strong, you’re saved because Jesus is.

How Spiritual Pride Hinders Receiving the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is a gift, not a reward for being spiritual, and He is given to those who recognize their deep need for Him. Spiritual pride, however, believes it deserves the Holy Spirit and seeks to control how it will serve God, rather than yielding fully to His direction. While the Holy Spirit fills empty, broken, and surrendered hearts, pride clings to self-sufficiency and control. Speaking in tongues, for example, requires surrendering control of one’s tongue, but pride resists letting go. It may appear strange or irrational to others, yet pride is concerned with maintaining a good image. It may stir deep emotion, but pride doesn’t want to seem overly emotional. Pride says, “I deserve the Holy Spirit,” but humility says, “I need the Holy Spirit.” Pride says, “I’ll look foolish if I speak in tongues,” while humility says, “I’ll do whatever the Holy Spirit says.” Pride insists, “I already have the Holy Spirit,” but humility confesses, “I’m empty—please fill me.” Pride declares, “I can control how I serve God,” while humility surrenders, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

How to Overcome Spiritual Pride and Receive the Holy Spirit

You can’t be full of the Holy Spirit if you’re full of yourself. To truly receive the Spirit, you must first empty yourself—of pride, self-righteousness, and the illusion of worthiness. This begins with repentance: turning away from the belief that your goodness, knowledge, or spiritual efforts somehow qualify you for God’s presence. Instead, come to Him with childlike faith, asking not because you’ve earned it, but because you trust Him. Surrender your pride and your concern for reputation. Let go of your need to stay in control, and become willing to be led wherever the Spirit takes you. And then—wait, worship, and make room for Him to fill what you’ve laid down.

Guided Meditation for Emptying Yourself and Receiving the Holy Spirit

• Sit with your back straight but relaxed. Rest your hands gently in your lap or on your knees. When you’re ready, close your eyes softly.
• Start by becoming aware of your breathing. No need to change it—just notice it. Feel the breath entering through your nose……and gently leaving your body. Breathe in… and out. Let your attention rest on this breath.
• Feel your feet touching the ground. Feel your legs and back supported by the chair. Notice the weight of your hands resting on your legs. Feel your clothes touching your skin. Be present in this moment.
• Now, expand your awareness outward: Notice the air in the room—its temperature, the gentle movement. Hear the sounds nearby. Listen for the sounds farther away. Then gently return your awareness to this room. To your body. To your breath.
• Bring your awareness to the top of your head. If there is tension, allow it to melt away. Move to your face—your forehead, your eyes, your jaw. Let go of any tightness. Now your neck…Your shoulders…Your arms…Let the tension drain away. Now your chest…Your stomach…Your legs…Your feet…With every breath, release what is heavy. Let go of what you do not need. You are safe. You are here. You are loved.
• Now repeat after me: Jesus, I confess that I often want control. I want to look strong, sound smart, and be respected. But pride keeps me from depending on You. Lord, show me where my pride is hiding. I give You my ego. I give You the parts of me that are afraid to look weak. Jesus, You emptied Yourself and took the form of a servant. You let go of glory, power, and comfort—for me. Now I want to do the same for You. I empty myself of pride. I empty myself of fear. I empty myself of needing to be in control. Holy Spirit, I give You my heart, my thoughts, my voice, my body. I don’t want to just be in control—I want to be filled. If You want to fill me, I say yes. If You want to speak through me, I say yes. Even if it sounds strange or feels new, I trust You. Not my will, but Yours be done. Holy Spirit, thank You for being near.
• Now, from a place of stillness, speak these words from your heart—either silently or aloud: Jesus, I confess that I often want control. I want to look strong, sound wise, and be admired. Pride keeps me from fully depending on You. Show me where pride hides in me. I surrender my ego. I give You the parts of me that are afraid to look weak. Jesus, You emptied Yourself and became a servant. You let go of glory, comfort, and power—for me. I want to do the same for You. I empty myself of pride. I empty myself of fear. I empty myself of the need to control.
• Holy Spirit, I give You my heart. I give You my thoughts. I give You my voice. I give You my body. I don’t want to lead—I want to be led. If You want to fill me, I say yes. If You want to speak through me, I say yes. Even if it feels unfamiliar, I trust You. Not my will, but Yours be done.
• Holy Spirit, thank You for being near. I wait on You now, with open hands and an open heart. Come, Holy Spirit. Fill me.