Understanding the Gospel

Lately, I had another chance to understand the Gospel better.

When I was reading Bible for the first time, I did not quite understand why God hates PRIDE so much. I was uncertain why pride was such a detestable character trait in God's eye.

After listening to sermons, teachings, and some anecdotal stories, I convinced myself that I understand why PRIDE is so bad. I don't think I truly grasped the abhorred nature of pride.

I mean everyone hates a person with an arrogant ego that annoys people like crazy...besides that I didn't really see the practical implication of the pride; how it could be detrimental to one's life.
(btw, I would be the first person to admit that I have a pride issue.)

Serving as a RA gave me an opportunity to interact with so-called "cool freshmen." - I am being sarcastic here - Personally, it is hilarious to watch them. They are so proud that they have to act "cool" to camouflage themselves to someone that they are not.

Another group of freshmen, which gives enormous, mammoth, and tremendous headaches to ResStaff, is "Big Head Freshmen." Personally, I found this group exponentially difficult to work with. People belongs to this group have so much pride that they don't see their own weakness, and seldom gives honor and respect to people around them. (a.k.a I'm the king of the world mentality).

I don't know what to say about this group. They are not teachable at all. They don't listen. They don't care what people have to say about them. They failed to recognize their problems and weakness even if they were confronted with people that care for him.

Recently, I had to confront one of my "Big Head Freshman" resident. I was trying really hard not to confront him out of my frustration. I preached myself that I should not do this out of my own pride and hatred.

Man...it was probably one of the most frustrating conversation I've ever had. At some points, I just wanted to kick his face and to verbally abuse him. (This was an intimate encounter of my unloving and impatient soul)

Although I logically lay out that what he was doing is detrimental to the community, he failed to learn from what I shared with him. His pride utterly destroyed his chance to grow as a person.

That's when I realized how my pride is hindering me to become a very person that God desires to be. That's when I realized why God hates pride so much. I'm not saying I have a good understanding of the Gospel. I'm still learning more and more everyday, and I'm no where near where I should be.

Few other people in my life are suffering tremendously this year because of thier pride. Out of their own pride, they failed to respect and honor the authority that was given upon him. All pains and heartaches that could have been avoided...now they are learning hard ways.

Looking back my lives, there were times I had to learn very hard way. But the magnitude of the problem and consequences were relative small compared to things that my friends are going through now. I guess I wasn't given much responsibilty prior to this point of my life. I believe I would be given more responsiblity later on in my life.

I hope I don't have to unlearn my pride hard way.