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Theologian John Owen said that we must “cease not a day from this [self-examination]; be killing sin or it will be killing you.”¹ Our Christian life is the daily walking out of this goal. Self-examination and confession of sin must become a habit if we expect to grow, mature, and transform into Christ’s likeness.
As we begin to examine individual vices and virtues, an obvious dichotomy emerges. Similar to science, where “for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction,” a spiritual axiom also holds true. “For every vice there is a greater and more powerful virtue.” This is because all virtue is rooted in God’s character. In the same way that Aquinas said all of the vices stemmed from Pride, Christians recognize that all the virtues flow from the wealth of God’s all-surpassing love.
For Day Five, consider the idea that all sin stems from the chief vice, Pride, and every virtue from the chief virtue, Humility.
Pride can be defined as an faulty opinion of one’s own importance, merit and wisdom. In contrast, Humility is a correct estimation of one’s value (neither too high or too low). As Christians, Humility recognizes our place of humbleness before an all-knowing, all-wise and all-loving God. A humble heart recognizes that it is imperfect and is willing to accept correction and guidance.
Pride says, “I deserve more,” or “I’m better than ________,” or “I am entitled to_________.” Pride rests in the ultimate declaration that I AM. By becoming nothing more that an I AM, Pride elevates us to the place of the Almighty in our own internally focused heart.
As we contrast Pride with the virtue of Humility, consider your own entitlement, demands, and inflated views self. Confess your Pride to God, and choose to focus on the life-giving virtue of Humility:
1. HEB 12:3-17 | PHI 1:29: Consider how Christ molds Humility in us when we welcome correction and discipline as a blessing that heals our brokenness.
2. 1 PET 5 | HEB 13:7-17: Consider how Christ uniquely molds Humility into us as we trust in and submit to the Great Shepherd, living in unity with other members of the Body of Christ.
3. PHP 2:1-11: Consider Jesus’ attitude as He humbled Himself to the point of death despite His power and authority.
4. EPH 5:15-33: Consider how Christ shapes the family in Humility as we act in our complimentary roles (e.g. husband, wife, children, servant) in mutual graciousness and love.
John Owen, The Mortification of Sin in Believers, vol. 6, The Works of John Owen (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1965), 10.
About this Plan
This Study delves into the Vices and Virtues that lay at the foundation of all evil and all goodness. We invite you, as a creative supplement to this Biblical study, to read paranormal thriller Valley of the Broken by Garden City author, Kelly Baugh. It’s the first book in a series of seven that will delve into each sin, as well as its corresponding virtue. See Kelly and 150+ great authors and church innovators at the Make Jesus Conference online. Register Now.
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