Pride is, if you will, one of the thorns in my side.

I find it easy to judge others in my mind, comparing myself as the standard for who others should be.

Our standard, however, is Jesus Christ and what He says in His Word. And who am I to take the speck out of my brother's eye and not the log in my own?

A few months ago, I wrote this poem about pride as a reminder that is it God, not myself, who enables me to worship Him and show compassion to others. All I have, and all I am, is because of Christ!

So I pray you enjoy this poem and consider your mindset – Do you compare yourself to others, or see others as less than you?

Follow Christ in His humility and lean on Him today!

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What is man?

I chuckle as I contemplate my pride.

My self-esteem is hoisted by the sin I try to hide.

Perhaps I did achieve, perhaps I overcame a trial,

But if I trying to reach heaven, it's gonna be a while!

And when I say a while, I mean eternity,

for even Methuselah's years times the grains of sand in the sea

would not be years enough to gain my own sanctity.

"So this means,"

I wonder as I seek to follow Christ,

"That judgements from my lips are, truthfully, a wrathful heist.

Who am I to take God's role?

May the blameless bang the gavel!

Who am I to condemn some sinners, when with the demons I do travel?

I am but a sinful human! Only dust made from His breath,

and I actually thought self-righteousness could save me from judgement?

No, but it is God's kindness that leads us to repentance!"

And now what?

I inquire, as I want to truth apply,

How should these words change me and the way I live my life?

Recall that by death, your Savior came to save

you, who only stored up wrath and put padding on your grave.

By grace, you have freedom to love and always forbear,

so why on this green earth would you only judgements share?

There is distress in evil and there is peace in good.

Is the Gospel not lifeblood? Should we share it? Yes, we should.

Do not judge – be silent! – for the one man nailed on wood.

Set down your pride, look to Christ.

Find life;

find life.

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May God speak through these words.

With love and prayers,

Sarah Matherly