On Becoming Proud

I forgot to post yesterday, but what I learned during my scripture study was so poignant to me, I would like to share it with you all today.

I began to read my scriptures but for some reason, although it was my favorite chapter, I wasn't getting anything out of it. I decided to do a topical study. I sat for a few moments thinking about what I should study, and I realized I have a serious problem with pride. In order to have more peace in my soul, I need to purge myself of that addiction (yes, I do think pride is an addiction).

I searched in the topical guide, and the first scripture I read was speaking straight to me. I read in 2 Nephi 9:42 which says

"And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches- yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them."

I have been richly blessed with education, wealth (comparatively), knowledge, the gospel... so many things in my life, and I fear they have made me a little proud. It is something that I constantly try to overcome, but let's be honest, pride is a very subtle thing that can creep into all of us. I read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis a while ago and in it the apprentice devil is talking with his uncle about the difficulty of leading away his subject. The apprentice said that his subject was too humble, and wouldn't be tempted by anything to which the uncle replied that his subject need only be aware of his humility, and would then pride would enter his heart. It is such a fine line, and staying on the humble side of things is not the easiest. As I pondered over these things I thought about what I could do to combat pride. I turned to Mosiah 3:19 which tells us how to overcome the natural man

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."

Becoming like a little child. Easier said than done, I think. I began talking with my brother on this topic, and he taught me something very interesting. He said he believes the best way (and in his opinion the only way) to overcome pride is to focus on thanks giving. If we are grateful, truly aware and appreciative of all the Lord has done for us, there is no way we can be proud.

I have decided to be more aware of everything, the breeze, my family, the smells... everything, and to thank my Heavenly Father for it all, because I want to rid myself of the natural man, and to become more like a child who has complete and unwavering trust in my Father.