Social media sites like Facebook and Instagram rose to popularity during the formative years of my life. I used to worry over the likes on my posts and how they compared to others. Pride consumed me and I didn’t even realize it. One thing that is very clear from the book of Esther is that Haman was dripping in pride. Like all tyrants, Haman’s view of himself was greatly inflated and distorted. He centered his worldview on himself. When we are first introduced to Haman, he is getting a place of honor above all others and is being showered in praise. However, the fact that the king has to command people to praise Haman shows us that this honor is hollow. Haman has not earned the praise and adornment he is receiving. Haman seems to be greatly pleased with the size of the crowds adoring him. So why is Haman so angered by just one man, Mordecai, deciding not to kneel for him? The answer lies in prideful arrogance.

Pride is a sin. It is a sin that each one of us will struggle with because it is so deeply intertwined in our human nature. My pride has taken me down the wrong path countless times. Haman’s pride gave him a warped view of his importance and his relationships with others. Pride is so dangerous because of the way it can sneak into our lives and disguise itself as something good, something to strive for. Our world can trick us into thinking pride is an accomplishment. It is wrapped up in awards, accolades, competitions, and even “followers” and “likes” on a social media post. But when we give our lives over to Christ, pride loses its power. We center our worldview on Jesus instead of ourselves. Our lives become rooted in the superior power of the saving grace of God. Our eyes are no longer covered by the same pride that blinded Haman all those years ago.

• Final thought: Ask God to reveal the ways that pride has hidden in your own mind and heart. Then ask the Holy Spirit to help you fight and overcome its impact on your life.