Pride vs. Charity

How many of us have felt just like the little girl in the picture? You look at an image of someone else, maybe in a magazine, a movie, or even an image you create in your head of someone you know . . . you then examine the reflection in the mirror and pick every detail of yourself to pieces and (of course) you find yourself coming up utterly short? I dare say we ALL have done this on occasion, or perhaps daily! Why? Why do we insist upon this ridiculous torture-routine? It is a very pointless and selfish thing to do.

We SHOULD NOT do it!

It is said that, "The grass is always greener on the other side." Or . . . your neighbors are always happier, your friends are always prettier, your lot in life is tough and everyone else has it better than you.

This topic came to my attention when my daughter, Sammi, came home one day and she declared that she wanted to get glasses. (At this point, Sammi has clear eye sight, and has no need of them.) One night, I even found her reading with her daddy's glasses on. Why did her little-girl heart desire glasses so much? Well, apparently, "ALL" of her friends are getting glasses. So, therefore, of course she wants them too! Naturally, we had a special conversation with her about cliffs and friends and cows and green grass. Little does Sammi realize she is very lucky not to NEED glasses! I know many people who would go under the laser just to be able to see as clearly as she can, right now. How silly to desire fuzzy eye-sight, just to fit in. I wonder if all her friends broke a leg, would she want crutches, too?

Now, I am not picking on Sammi in anyway. She is a wonderful girl, just lovely. But her thought process brought to my mind the ridiculousness of envy, jealousy and setting our hearts on the things we "think" we want. Sometimes our hearts will grab hold of an idea, or desire, and it seems we cannot let that silly "want" go. It can fester and grow and gnaw at our contentment and peace of mind.

It is because of these simple "wants" and desires that we now sit in an economic "recession". (As an optimist, I am hoping that things are starting to improve!) But it has been the "keeping up with the Jones's" and fulfilling the void of "I want it now" that has caused serious trouble and pain for so much of the nation and the world. People cannot seem to find contentment outside of the department store or just acquiring MORE. It seems that the same feelings of a 4th grader, "I want it, because my friends have it" stays firmly planted in the hearts of grown "adults". Hence our current economic situation . . .

What is the great cause of all of this nonsense? PRIDE!!

Pride is a powerful poison to the the soul. It can destroy every good thing. Pride has been the cause of every war, every destroyed civilization, and every ruined individual. It starts small. It starts with: being selfish.

Me, me, me. Mine, mine, mine. Now, now, now.

Elder Uchtdorf stated:

Pride is a deadly cancer. It is a gateway sin that leads to a host of other human weaknesses. In fact, it could be said that every other sin is, in essence, a manifestation of pride.

"For others, pride turns to envy: they look bitterly at those who have better positions, more talents, or greater possessions than they do. They seek to hurt, diminish, and tear down others in a misguided and unworthy attempt at self-elevation. When those they envy stumble or suffer, they secretly cheer. (You never do that, do you?) wink!

This sin has many faces. It leads some to revel in their own perceived self-worth, accomplishments, talents, wealth, or position. They count these blessings as evidence of being “chosen,” “superior,” or “more righteous” than others. This is the sin of “Thank God I am more special than you.” At its core is the desire to be admired or envied. It is the sin of self-glorification."

He goes on to describe how we SHOULD act:

"Some suppose that humility is about beating ourselves up. Humility does not mean convincing ourselves that we are worthless, meaningless, or of little value. Nor does it mean denying or withholding the talents God has given us. We don’t discover humility by thinking less of ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less about ourselves. It comes as we go about our work with an attitude of serving God and our fellowman."

DON'T think less of you, but think less ABOUT you!

President Gordon B. Hinckley points out another way we can learn to overcome feelings of envy. “The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others,” he says.

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One of my FAVORITE quotes was said to Sister Susan Tanner (who struggled with acne as a teenager) by her mother:

“You must do everything you can to make your appearance pleasing, but the minute you walk out the door, forget yourself and start concentrating on others.”

Considering the alternative . . .

I think it is the BEST advice. Forget yourself, and start thinking about others!

LET GO of selfishness and pride and fill your heart with the Love of God.

You may not be able to change your current circumstances, but you can ALWAYS change your mind. It is your thoughts that determine how you perceive your environment. Take it from me . . . I could whine about having only one bathroom for 5 people OR I can be grateful that I do not have to go potty outside! ;-)

Let your heart be light.

Cease wasting precious time envying the lives of others, or being disgruntled with what you do not have. Whether it is their glasses, their home, their looks -- forget it! Enjoy being YOU (because that is the only person you will ever be!) and do your best to LOVE and SERVE God's children!

(This message was meant for me. But perhaps it tugged at some heart-strings? Maybe I am not alone in my struggle to be less prideful and more charitable!)