Healthy Pride

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” (Galatians 6:4-5)

We consider pride sin, and we know that pride can lead to a fall, so how is it that we are given permission to take pride in ourselves?

Most pride arrogantly demands that we believe we are better or more important than others. The pride we are told about in Galatians 6 is all about healthy self-confidence in who we are without the need to compare ourselves with anybody else.

How do we stay on the right side of that fine line?

First, healthy pride can happen when we test our actions. Knowing who we really are and what we can really do is the first step towards a confidence that is not sinful and arrogant, but sober and humble. Assessment is key to this. The other day I heard someone point out that even God assessed His creative work in the beginning.

Second, we learn to carry our own load. Do you know the load that God has uniquely given you? What is your calling? The load God gives you is perfectly appropriate—but when you try to adopt someone else’s load or calling, it quickly becomes a burden.

Nobody else can fully understand what God has asked me to do, and I can’t fully understand what God has asked anyone else to do, either. I find this is a good thing, because when I am tempted to compare myself or my ministry unfavorably to someone else I can remember that we have different callings, assignments, and gifts—in short, we carry different loads.

And when I am tempted to compare myself favorably to others, I must remember that I have no idea what they have been called to do, who they are called to be, and what is expected of them. In fact, someone who looks like they are failing in my eyes may actually be much more faithful and effective than I am in the eyes of God.

Finally, verse 2 says we should carry one another’s burdens. How does that work? Ultimately if I am confident in my calling and assess it properly, and then I do all I can to help another with his or her load without comparing myself either favorably or unfavorably to them, I can, humbly, take pride in who I am before the Lord and in what He has called me to do.