“ What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” (Mark 7:20b-23)

In Mark 7:22 Jesus specified pride, or arrogance, as a deadly, defiling sin. Literally meaning, “showing oneself above,” this term describes the highest form of self-orientation. Proud and arrogant people have an attitude of contempt for everyone else. What's interesting about this word, according to the Greek perspective at that time, is that it describes one’s secret attitude. A man may appear humble in public yet be secretly comparing himself to others. A woman may hide her superiority behind flattery and subtle manipulation. The proud and arrogant are often insecure and have a strong desire to impress others. You may hear them use strong language to emphasize their points or observe them politely declining advice. In contrast, serving leaders are confident based on whose they are and have a strong desire to serve others. Open to advice and correction, they speak to edify and inspire others.

KEY QUESTIONS: Where and when have I observed contempt? How is this evidence of insecurity? How might I respond to arrogance while maintaining humility? When do I find it difficult to accept advice or correction? From where do I derive my confidence? What is the basis of my humility?