Two-minute read.
As an athlete, people like to goad each other as a way of “getting in people’s heads,” causing them to play better or worse, depending on the situation and who says the words. For me, whenever I become prideful about my game, I usually fall hard.
Playing tennis a few years ago, we came to a pivotal point in the match. My turn to serve, I approached the line and began my typical routine. At that time, my partner made a prideful statement that threw me off kilter and increased the pressure more than I should have felt. Serving out the game, I fell apart and we lost not only it, but the match as well.
Afterward, I challenged my partner. “Why would you say something like that?”
“It’s just what guys do,” he responded.
“But I’m not a guy, and that hurt the situation, not help it.”
The conversation continued, and we eventually reached a mutual understanding of the event, both learning from and growing through the experience. Once pride entered the moment, I knew we would experience a fall.
Pride takes control quickly and blinds us to the truth. Once we start speaking prideful language, things can escalate fast, propelling us down a losing road. But when we use wisdom in our words, staying humble, and only speaking when necessary, we will discover the victory that comes from the Lord.
Journal Question:
How has prideful language gotten you into trouble?
How do you identify pride in your life?
In what ways can you become wiser with your words?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for teaching us humility and the ability to use our words wisely. Please help us identify pride in our lives and rid ourselves of it. Let us honor and serve You with our language.
IJNIP. Amen
