The “i” in Pride

The letter “i” causes us to think of the 9th letter in the alphabet.  Such a critical letter for not only is it about 4% of the tools used in English communication (1 of 26), it is higher in useage when compared to x, y, or z.  It also has a lofty place for it is a vowel.  What a role the “i” plays in our lives!

“i” also makes us think of the “eye” – the visual part of our anatomy.  What an incredibly important part of life!  The eye lets us take in the great beauty around us, to take note of circumstances in order to make wiser and safer decisions, and lets us see words on a page and thus learn from others. After studying the complexity of the eye, it is a wonder anybody can believe anything but a creation by a Creator.

Then there is the “I” that speaks of me – I am an “I”.  I went to town.  I am a Christian.  I love Janet.  I serve Jesus.  Yes, “I” is very important for it speaks of me!

Now these three points – the letter itself used to spread information, use of the eye to see words using the letter, and the use of I when talking about me -– cause me to turn my attention to the word “pride.”  Pride reminds me of the concept of a Worldview.  You know, the core beliefs that everyone has upon which they build their lives and make decisions.  Let’s look at the core life values using PRIDE.

P – Personhood.  So who is a person?

Only those born?  Only those who can work?  Those who can speak for themselves?  What about groups deemed lessers (Hitler’s Jews)?  Where does the definition for personhood come from?

R – Reason.  Why are we here?  What is the purpose of life?

Is it to live for the day?  Is it to live for the weekend?  Is it to live for a season – hunting or gardening or NFL?  Is it to live for events such as seeing something rare (Everest or the Oval Office) or taking a special vacation?  Is it an early retirement or a wealthy retirement?  Is it to serve the poor or mankind? Where does one find value for their life that is fulfilling?

I – I will come back to this.

D – Destiny.  What comes after death?  Is there an eternal existence?  Is it reincarnation?  Is it heaven for all?  Is it annihilation?  Is it nirvana?  Is it Hell for some?  Who knows past death?

E – Evil.  What is bad and who says so?

Is killing in self-defense permitted?  What about the murder of  “innocents”?  What about adultery?  What about gossip?  Is petty theft OK?  Again, what is wrong and who says it is wrong?

Now to the “i” in Pride.  At the center of a Worldview is the belief one has about who rules over all.  Who is god?  Who calls good and evil?

According to Genesis 3, man rejected God as the center of life and put in “I” – self.  So “I” at the center means I decide personhood, purpose, destiny, and right and wrong rather than the Creator, all-wise, holy, triune God.  So just as pride has “i” at the middle, so does man outside of Jesus.

Salvation is “I” stepping out of prIde and thus the center of one’s life, and letting God in as the ruler of all.

Don’t let self ( I ) rule your universe for it will fail to meet your needs now and also fail to serve you when you die.

Don’t let the “ayes” (I’s) rule your universe – those with the most votes, the culture, popularity, and the powerful (those who have the most dollars with the eye at the top of the pyramid).

Rather, may the great “I Am” be at the center and determine your worldview.