Megalomaniacs Anonymous

Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife, Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. “And that’s not all,” Haman added. “I’m the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow. But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.” Esther 5:10-13


To say that Haman was in a bad place is an understatement. His pride and over-sensitivity toward Mordecai was the perfect recipe for a megalomaniac. But, Haman’s pride and passion would lead to his own demise.


Pride is a dangerous thing. The Bible gives many warnings about pride. “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble“ (James 4:6). “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). If we believe what these verses say, then we understand that our pride leads to disgrace and destruction and brings about opposition from God. Why is it that we risk losing some much when we’re proud, yet it’s so hard to let go of?


Pride encourages us to think highly of ourselves and toot our own horns. But, God challenges us to live humbly and to allow Him to elevate us. “Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor” (Proverbs 29:23). When we realize how much God loves us and how highly He thinks of us, there really is no reason to hang onto our pride. God will do the heavy lifting. We can enjoy His presence.


How is your pride getting the best of you these days? Where do you need to get self out of the way? How do you need to let God or others have their way instead of insisting on your way?


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