THE ROOT AND FRUIT OF PRIDE

by Floyd McClung

The cornerstone of McClung's message is found in James 4:1-7. Paraphrased, the

text reads - "The source of all quarrelling, envy, conflict, strife and dissension is pride.
God will oppose the proud, but give His grace to the humble."

The greatest hindrance to knowing God is pride. Pride is also a barrier to the
purposes of God in the world, and to revival in His church. All sins spring up from either
the root of unbelief or the root of pride.

Pride is trying to be something we are not, or trying to cover up what we are.

As outlined in scripture, the Lord is categorically opposed to pride, and will not
tolerate it in His people. Contention in the Body Of Christ is not rooted in theology or
emotional hurt, but in pride. Contention is worse than foolishness, because the Word says
a proud man is worse than a fool. Pride is subtle, and works its destruction in
subtlety. If allowed to go unchecked, it will eventually destroy the life it feeds on.

The antithesis of pride is humility. Humility means being honest about who we are
and what we need. Humility won't conceal things from God, but opens wide the door to the
skeletons in our closets. If we make the dark places within us known, the devil cannot use
what is hidden to blackmail us.

Because pride enters unannounced to both rich and poor, famous and ordinary, it is
necessary to first choose humility, then ask the Lord for a revelation of pride in our lives.
Pride leads to the mask of self-sufficiency; humility leads to brokeness. In
brokeness there are no gradations of worthiness. The ground around the cross is always
level.
A partial list of the fruits, or symptoms, of pride includes:

1. The "I'm Better Than You" attitude. Competition and comparison are generated by
pride. To exist, pride must attach itself to something concrete like race, upbringing,
theology, etc. It seeks to establish unity in something other than the cross.

2. Insecurity Or A Low Self-Esteem. Pride sustains and props up insecurity. Inner

healing will have permanence only in humility.

3. Ungratefulness. A proud spirit raises its head and demands its rights. It consistently
complains that it never gets what it deserves. But if we got what we deserve, we would be
destined for Hell. Many of the so-called "rights movements" have their roots in pride.

4. A Judgmental Spirit. Discernment recognizes qualities and faults, but a judgmental

spirit evaluates them in order to exalt itself. It is weakness to discern weakness and not
love.

5. Envy. Pride will not rejoice when another rejoices, and will not weep when another
weeps. Self-centredness is at the heart of envy.

6. Self-Pity. The answer to self introspection and pity is humility.

7. Fear Of Man. Pride forces us to dwell on and cultivate the praise of men, not the praise
of God.
8. Touching God's Glory. Pride causes us to take credit for all things good. We steal the
Lord's glory to glorify ourselves.

9. A reserved Attitude Toward Others. Lack of vulnerability toward others is an

indication that pride has taken hold. Pride says, "I've been hurt before by openness, but
never again." It puts the needs of self over the needs of others in relationships. Pride
always seeks to isolate.

10. An Unteachable Spirit. Pride cannot receive correction, and usually attacks the one
correcting. The devil says, "Humility humiliates." But that is a lie. Humility sets us free to
identify with weakness, not criticise it. Jesus wasn't concerned about His reputation, and
pride keeps us from being like Jesus.

11. Sarcastic Humour. Sarcasm is the devil's subtle tool of destruction, especially in the
western world. In the guise of laughter, it tears down.

12. An Independent Spirit. Pride promotes rebellion against authority. Humility gives us
the freedom to support someone we don't agree with.

13. Impatience With Others. Pride won't allow others to make mistakes. Haughtiness
finds a niche in impatience.

14. Unforgiving Attitude. Pride is unable to truly forgive.

15. Organisational Comparisons. Pride says, "Our group is better than their's."

16. Island Mentality. Pride says it doesn't need anyone or anything else. Humility longs
for others in an attitude of servanthood.

17. A Spirit of Comparison. Comparison has only one goal - to see who's best.

18. Encourages Disloyalty. Pride counsels others to forsake commitments and backstab
friends. Pride demands perfection in groups.

In closing, McClung says that only an inner crucifixion will cut us off from the
idolatry of price. We must lose our life to gain it back.

OUTLINE

A) Introduction - James 4:1-7 - "The source of all quarrelling, envy, conflict, strife and
dissension is pride. God will oppose the proud, but give His grace to the humble."
 1. Pride is a hindrance
a) To knowing God.
b) To unity in the Body.
c) To the redemption of the lost.
d) To revival.
e) To God's purposes in the world.
2. Pride is: Trying to be something we are not, or trying to cover up what we are.
3. The Lord is opposed to pride.
4. Contention is rooted in pride.
5. Pride is a subtle destroyer.
6. The antithesis of pride is humility.
a) It means being honest.
b) It means being openness.
7) Because pride is subtle, it is necessary to choose humility and ask for a revelation
of pride.
8. Pride leads to the mask of self-sufficiency.
a) Humility leads to brokeness.

B) The Fruits of Pride

1. The "I'm Better Than You" Attitude.

2. Insecurity Or A Low Self-Esteem.
3. Ungratefulness.
4. A Judgmental Spirit.
5. Envy.
6. Self-Pity.
7. Fear Of Man.
8. Touching God's Glory.
9. A Reserved Attitude Toward Others.
10. An Unteachable Spirit.
11. Sarcastic Humour.
12. An Independent Spirit.
13. Impatience With Others.
14. Unforgiving Attitude.
15. Organisational Comparisons.
16. Island Mentality.
17. A Spirit Of Comparison.
18. Encourages Disloyalty.

C) Closing Remarks - We must lose our life to gain it.

The Root and Fruit of Pride

1. According to James 4:1-7, God opposes _________________, but gives His grace to
the ______________________.

2. Name the three of the five things says pride is a hindrance to.
a) _______________________________________
b) _______________________________________
 c) _______________________________________

3. Fill in the blanks: Pride is trying to _____________________________, or trying to

____________________________.

4. Pride is the root of contention. What does the Word say contention is worse than?
________________________________________.

5. Choose the answer that best finishes this statement: Pride is dangerous because it is ..
a) Unavoidable
b) So blatant c) Attractive d) So subtle e)
All of the above

6. The antithesis of pride is __________________________________.

7. Fill in the blanks: Because of pride's danger, it is necessary to choose

_____________________ and ask for a ________________________ of pride.

8. Pride leads to the mask of self-sufficiency, but humility leads to

___________________________________________.

9. Name seven of the 18 Fruits Of Pride covered.

1. ________________________________
2. ________________________________
3. ________________________________
4. ________________________________
5. ________________________________
6. ________________________________
7. ________________________________

10. What must we allow happen if we desire to remain free from pride?