Men often wrestle with pride, constantly evaluating how others perceive them. We track our achievements, status, and standing, often hypersensitive to any sign of disrespect. This drive for recognition can push us to inflate our image, striving to be seen as more important in the eyes of others.
In our efforts to protect our pride, we may attempt to elevate ourselves in two ways: either by boasting about our accomplishments or by diminishing others to make ourselves look better. Yet, true humility comes from having a right view of ourselves, a view grounded in faith rather than in status or personal achievements.
As it is written, “For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3)
Humility doesn’t keep score. It rejects the temptation to compare ourselves with others or to use external measures to determine our worth. Instead, humility encourages us to view ourselves through the lens of faith, not pride.
“Do not judge according to external appearance, but judge with proper judgment.” (John 7:24)
“Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to someone else.” (Galatians 6:4)
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)
Pride also manifests as envy—the desire to possess the success, recognition, or status that belongs to someone else. Even worse, we may find satisfaction in someone else’s failure, which is another form of pride. But God cautions us against this attitude, even when dealing with those who have wronged us:
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from them.” (Proverbs 24:17-18)
Another way pride can creep in is through our desire for approval from influential people. We may seek to impress a leader, perhaps a senior pastor, hoping they’ll validate our actions. While it’s natural to admire godly leaders, our aim should be to emulate their Christ-like character, not to gain their favor for our own self-promotion.
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)
I’ve often caught myself striving to become a better version of me, thinking it will help me serve God more effectively—and if I’m honest, boost my self-image as well. But true spiritual growth isn’t about self-improvement; it’s about surrendering to God’s guidance and letting Him work through me, as I am. God calls us to seek His approval above all else. When we pursue the praise of people over the praise of God, we expose our lack of faith.
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do.” (Ephesians 6:7-8)
“How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44)
We are being transformed into God’s image from one degree of glory to another. In this process, there’s no need for worldly self-improvement. Pursuing it can easily become an act of vanity—a meaningless chase for recognition.
“And we all, who with unveiled faces reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
To truly reflect God’s glory instead of seeking our own, we must set our sights on eternal things, not on earthly achievements:
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2-3)
The only way I know to break free from the pursuit of status and recognition is to focus my thoughts on heavenly things, not on earthly accomplishments. I want to seek God’s praise, not the approval of people. Through Christ, I have died to the need for worldly validation. My life is now hidden with Him, and measuring it by earthly standards is meaningless. What truly matters is seeking God above all, living each moment for Him, and loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, without worrying about how others perceive me.
Stanley Hasegawa is richly blessed in his marriage with two grown children. He is semi-retired, has been a computer programmer, systems analyst, househusband and homeschool teacher. He loves to walk, talk and eat, and write short articles about devoting our lives to Jesus.
