Often when we think of the sin of pride, we think of someone (not ourselves), who constantly talks about how amazing they are. We are prideful whenever we seek to divorce ourselves from God, and rely solely on our own merits. Interestingly, we can be prideful when we refuse the gifts God has given us and simply do nothing with them.
St. Francis de Sales points this out in his Introduction to the Devout Life:
God’s Will is that we should be perfect, uniting ourselves to Him, and imitating Him to the utmost of our powers. The proud man who trusts in himself may well undertake nothing.
When we refuse to do God’s will in our lives, or refuse to preach the Gospel in any way, we are being prideful.
We are trusting more in ourselves than in God.
Left to ourselves, we cannot do anything and it is only through God’s grace can we accomplish anything on this earth. When we humble ourselves is when we are strong.
We certainly may be a sinful vessel, but God still can use us if we let him. God may not be calling us to preach on the street corners, or to become a priest or nun, but we can bring Christ to everyone we meet. The key is to do something, letting God use us however he wishes.
Lord please use me as an instrument of your peace today and do your will. Amen
Smitten With Goodness 