9 Subtle Signs Of A Prideful Christian and How to Overcome it

James 4:6, "But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: 'God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.

Dear reader, It is essential to guard yourself against the subtle signs of a prideful Christian that can slowly creep into your life. These symptoms can be deceptive and can cause harm to your spiritual growth and relationship with God.

As a Christian, it is important to be aware of the subtle signs of pride that can creep into our lives and hinder our relationship with God. The Bible teaches us that pride is a dangerous sin that can lead to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). 

It is a subtle sin that can often go unnoticed, yet it can have serious consequences if left unchecked.

Pride is the sin of exalting oneself above others and seeking to be recognized and esteemed. It is a self-centered attitude that puts our own desires, accomplishments, and opinions above God and others. 

Pride can manifest itself in many ways, some of which are subtle and difficult to recognize.

In this post, we will be discussing 9 subtle signs of pride in the life of a Christian. We will examine each of these signs in detail and offer practical ways to overcome them. 

Our goal is to help you identify and overcome any areas of pride in your life so that you can grow in humility and draw closer to God.

May this post be a helpful resource to you as you seek to walk humbly with in the presence of God. (Micah 6:8).

9 Subtle signs of a Prideful Christian

1. Lack of Humility 

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Philippians 2:3 

One of the subtle symptoms of pride is a lack of humility. When you start to believe that you are better than others, it can lead to arrogance, which is displeasing to God. 

The Bible encourages us to be humble and to consider others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).

To overcome this blowfish Syndrome, you need to start by acknowledging that you are not perfect and that you need God's grace. Ask God to help you cultivate a spirit of humility in your heart.

2. Inability to Receive Correction 

The mindset of always being right in all things. 

Another subtle sign of a Prideful Christian is an inability to receive correction. When you are not open to correction, it can lead to stubbornness and rebellion. The Bible says that God disciplines those he loves (Hebrews 12:6), and correction is an essential part of spiritual progress. 

To deal with this, you need to learn to receive correction with a humble and teachable spirit. 

Be open to feedback and take the time to reflect on how you can grow from it.

3. Comparing Yourself to Others

A sense of trying to know whether you're better than other. 

When you start comparing yourself to others, it can lead to envy and jealousy. This is a subtle symptom of pride that can be harmful to your spiritual growth. 

We are admonish from the Word to focus on running our own race and not to compare ourselves to others (Hebrews 12:1).

To stop this act, you need to focus on your own journey and avoid comparing yourself to others. Remember that you are unique and have a purpose that is specific to you.

Discover: 40 Bible verse about pride, and how it apply to us. 

4. Subtle Self-Promotion and Attention Seeking

Another subtle symptom of pride is self-promotion. When you are constantly seeking attention and recognition, it can lead to an inflated sense of self-importance. 

The Bible teaches us that we should let our light shine before others so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

To overcome this sign of Pride, you need to shift your focus from yourself to God. Seek to serve others without seeking recognition or praise.

5. Defensive Attitude 

When you have a defensive attitude, it can be a subtle symptom of pride. When someone criticizes or challenges you, your first reaction may be to defend yourself. 

This can be harmful to your relationships and your spiritual growth. The Bible says we should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19).

To get rid of defensive attitude, you need to learn to listen to others and consider their perspective. Avoid becoming defensive and seek to understand before responding.

6. Refusal to Apologize 

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5: 16.

Another subtle sign of Prideful Christian is a refusal to apologize. When you are unwilling to admit fault or take responsibility for your actions, it can lead to a breakdown in relationships. 

The Bible teaches that we should confess our sins to one another and pray for each other (James 5:16).

To overcome this pride, you need to learn to take responsibility for your actions and apologize when necessary. Admitting fault and seeking forgiveness can be a powerful way to heal relationships.

Discover: 25 Important stories of pride in the Bible 

7. Self-centeredness

When pride takes root in your heart, you become more concerned about promoting yourself and your interests instead of others. 

You want people to notice and applaud you, and you seek to elevate yourself above others. This kind of self-centeredness is not godly, as it goes against Jesus' command to love and serve others.

To overcome self-centeredness, you must focus on serving others rather than yourself. You can do this by following Jesus' example of humble service, as He washed His disciples' feet and ultimately sacrificed Himself for our sake (John 13:1-17). 

You must also cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, knowing that all good things come from God (James 1:17) and that He has given you gifts and talents to serve others, not to promote yourself.

8. Lack of teachability

Pride can cause you to become closed-minded and resistant to learning from others. You may think you already know everything, or that your way is the only right way. 

This kind of attitude can hinder your growth as a believer and prevent you from receiving valuable insights and wisdom from others.

To overcome a lack of teachability, you must humble yourself and be willing to learn from others. You can do this by seeking out wise and godly mentors and submitting to their guidance and correction. 

You must also approach the study of God's Word with an open heart and a willingness to learn, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to you (1 Corinthians 2:10-16).

9. Judgmentalism and criticism

When pride takes root in your heart, you may become overly critical and judgmental of others. You may find fault in others and feel superior to them, which can lead to gossip, slander, and even hatred.

Being Judgemental is one of the three little sins that almost took my Joy. A sense of trying to disapprove with other, so as to seem right. 

To overcome judgmentalism and criticism, you must cultivate a heart of love and compassion for others. 

You can do this by remembering that you are a sinner saved by grace, and that your salvation is not due to your own merit but solely to God's mercy and love (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

You must also seek to build others up with your words, instead of tearing them down (Ephesians 4:29). 

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a heart of humility and a desire to see others grow and thrive in their walk with God.

Conclusion 

Pride is a subtle and dangerous sin that can hinder your spiritual growth and cause you to stumble in your walk with God. 

But by cultivating a heart of humility, repentance, and a willingness to learn and serve others, you can overcome the symptoms of pride and walk in greater intimacy with God. 

Remember the words of James 4:6, "But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: 'God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.'"

 FAQs on signs of Prideful Christian 

What are signs of pride in a person? 

Signs of pride in a person include having a self-centered attitude, always wanting to be in control, refusing to apologize, feeling superior to others, being defensive, having a critical spirit, and being unwilling to learn from others.

What are the signs of pride in the Bible? 

Signs of pride in the Bible include rebellion against God, selfishness, arrogance, boasting, lack of humility, and refusal to acknowledge one's sinfulness and need for forgiveness.

What are examples of pride?

Examples of pride include thinking one is always right, seeking attention and recognition, being overly critical of others, being defensive and unwilling to admit fault, and putting one's own desires and interests above others.

How do you feel when you have pride? 

When you have pride, you may feel a sense of superiority over others, become defensive when criticized, struggle to admit fault or wrongdoing, and have a tendency to judge others.

How does a prideful person act? 

A prideful person may act arrogantly, boastfully, and with a sense of entitlement. They may struggle to listen to others, be quick to judge and criticize, and refuse to acknowledge their mistakes or shortcomings.

How do you break the spirit of pride? 

Breaking the spirit of pride involves humbling oneself before God and others, acknowledging one's need for forgiveness, and seeking to serve others instead of seeking personal gain or recognition. It also involves cultivating a spirit of gratitude and dependence on God.