Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Various Forms of Pride by James Fowler

1. Self-admiration – “Look at me!”
     a. Natural - my abilities, talents, assets. 
     b. Spiritual - my spiritual gifts, my ministry. 

2. Self-aggrandizement – “Don’t I look good/great?” 
     a. Natural - my looks, my importance. 
     b. Spiritual - my position in the church. 

3. Self-attention – “Listen to me!” 
     a. Natural - my understanding and viewpoint. 
     b. Spiritual - my Biblical and theological knowledge. 

4. Self-justification – “I am right!” 
     a. Natural - my way is the right way. 
     b. Spiritual - our doctrine and polity is right. 

5. Self-sufficiency – “I can do it!” 
     a. Natural - my abilities, my leadership. 
     b. Spiritual - our programs will make it happen. 

6. Self-aspiration – “Let me win!” 
     a. Natural - competitive spirit; one-up-manship. 
     b. Spiritual - our statistics will prove us successful. 

7. Self-seeking – “Give me mine!” 
     a. Natural - my rights; what I deserve. 
     b. Spiritual - our political rights and physical edifice. 

8. Self-exaltation – “Praise me!” 
     a. Natural - my credit, glory, commendation. 
     b. Spiritual - our procedures and success.