When you’re drunk you have no ability to distinguish what is reality and what is not real. Comedians and college students alike joke all the time about “beer goggles” making the unattractive attractive. Could it be possible that we could be drunk on something beside alcohol? Could it be possible that you make think too highly of yourself and this high view of yourself basically makes you drunk with the way you see the rest of the world? Could it be that you see the rest of the world in a totally different way from reality? If your answer is yes, read on. If your answer, is a quick no, I really think you should read on.  You are sure to find out How to Get Drunk Without Drinking.

The following are notes from a message by Chris Seidman, from The Branch, with a little bit of added commentary on the main points. I hope it wrecks you in similar way that it wrecked me. If you find this entry helpful, you may also enjoy: Leadership Ain’t a Title! How to Gain Influence Where You Are Now, 25 Ways to Become a Christian Atheist, Lone Ranger Christianity & 10 Crucial Questions to Ask Yourself in 2010  How do you know you deal with pride?

How do you know you deal with pride? Pride can express itself in 3 ugly ways:

Self-sufficiency. We are basically asking ourselves and the world, “Am I enough?”  We tell someone else to tell us whether or not we are enough. We become the ultimate consumer of all men, using everyone we meet (the consumed) to validate us as an individual. Are you asking the world if you are enough?

Notoriety. We are asking ourselves, “Am I noticed?” How many followers or friends do I have? Who notices me? Who comments of my stuff? Who sees me? The allure of attraction wants to ask how notable we are becoming. This is a deadly expression of pride, but real. Are you constantly trying to be noticed?

Superiority. We ask the question, “Am I superior?” Am I the best at this? Am I better than “this” person? Are you trying to be superior?

Pride is not free. It doesn’t come with out a cost. 4 Consequences of pride:

Hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is where we put up some sort of front. We are so concerned with what others think, we will do anything not to tarnish that image we are trying to project. Are you putting up a front?

Secrecy. Because of that “Kingdom of Me” image we are trying to project, we are obviously forced to keep secret what causes us to fall short of that image. We end up living a life of secrecy, much like the celebrities and ministers we hear about nearly every day. Are you keeping a secret?

Self-deception. We look up and can’t see straight. We are basically drunk on pride (the hangover is not fun when you wake up). Everyone is at fault but…….me. All of my family problems are because of my spouse, not me.  All of my work problems are because of my staff, not me.  Could you be deceived?

Isolation. Pride causes us to push others away and retreat to the other place where we can be ourselves: by ourselves. Are you all alone?

Launching a revolt against pride.  Don’t settle for drunkenness!

Pursuing an intimate relationship with the Great I Am. Acknowledging the I Am starts with I am not. It is the ultimate act way from pride, recognizing that we are not self-sufficient or perfect and we need Someone to sustain us. He will validate you. He will show you who you truly are. He can and He will. If you let him….

Seeking God’s guidance. Discernment asks the question, “Could I be struggling with any of these areas?”  “Am I doing this to be noticed or to be obedient?” “Am I trying to validate myself or am I secure in who I am?”  Seek his guidance as you go about the littlest things in life.  Just talk to Him.  Address Him like you would a person and humble yourself before Him.  He will reveal Himself to you…

Get help. After you’ve gotten real with God, talk to someone you trust, find a local church, build relationships.  We weren’t made to be alone or self-sufficient.  Our very nature makes us dependent on others. Your sobriety from pride isn’t going to come easy. Get help.

What other forms of pride have you seen? How can we launch a revolt against pride?