A Humble Pride
Redeemed pride stands tall—not in self, but in the One who clothes us with His righteousness.
Devotional Credit: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s reflection from E. Stanley Jones invites us to consider an unlikely concept: redeemed pride. In Christ, even something as dangerous as pride can be made holy. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, says he takes pride in them—but not in a fleshly sense. His pride is “in Christ Jesus our Lord” (1 Cor. 15:31), and that location changes everything. Rather than exalting self, it exalts the One who enables the work. Rather than boasting in what he or others have done, Paul’s heart is lifted in gratitude that Christ used him to lead others into life.
Pride, when anchored in self, is rebellion. It assumes autonomy, invites a fall, and stirs up the very arrogance that caused Lucifer’s downfall. But pride, when anchored in surrender to Christ, becomes an expression of loyalty and wonder. It is no longer about elevating me, but about magnifying Him. This is a humble pride—a heart bowed low before Jesus and lifted high in what He has done through a yielded life.
Jones reminds us that pride in our cleanliness, discipline, and creative contribution is part of being made in God’s image. These things aren’t inherently wrong—they simply need to be placed under the lordship of Christ. Once surrendered, even our pride can become beautiful. It rises—not from ego—but from belonging. From knowing we are now part of His Greatness, not our own.
📖 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I redeemed you completely—not just your sin, but also your soul, your gifts, your intellect, and even your pride. You no longer need to pretend humility by suppressing the joy you find in Me. I made you to delight in what I accomplish through your surrendered life. So when you see Me at work in and through you, rejoice.
You are not proud in the flesh—you are proud in Me. You are proud that you belong to a risen King. Proud that you bear My name. Proud that I’ve written your story into Mine. That is not arrogance—that is adoration. It is worship dressed in confidence.
I am your life. Your sufficiency is of Me. You no longer belong to littleness—you belong to Majesty. Stand tall, not on your own merits, but in the grace that raised you with Me. Boast not in the flesh, but in the cross. This is your humble pride: that you no longer live, but Christ lives in you.
So walk in quiet dignity. Let the world see what it looks like when pride is crucified and raised again in Me.
Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthians 15:31; Galatians 6:14; Philippians 3:3; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 3:5
🪞Real-Life Analogy
It’s like putting on a perfectly tailored suit for a wedding—not one you bought, but one that was gifted to you. You didn’t sew it, but you still stand tall in it, knowing it was made for you. You're not proud of yourself for it—but you’re proud to wear it well, to honor the One who clothed you so generously.
🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence
Father, I thank You that You have even redeemed my pride. What once separated me from You is now repurposed to celebrate You. I rejoice that I no longer have to shrink back in false humility or puff up in self-glory. I can stand tall in Christ, resting in Your righteousness, confident in Your calling, and delighted to be part of Your redemptive work. You are my boast and my joy.