"To love and admire anything outside yourself is to take one step away from utter spiritual ruin; though we shall not be well so long as we love and admire anything more than we love and admire God" C. S. Lewis
In this quote Lewis discusses the importance of selflessness. He continues his ideas of Pride, how it thrives off of competition and power, and puts it into perspective for us. He reveals that "pride may act as a check on vanity." However, Lewis explains that not all pride is evil. It all depends on how we use the word pride; Lewis states that "the phrase 'is proud of' means ''has a warm-hearted admiration for'. Such admiration is, of course, very far from being a sin." Lewis analyzes the restrictions we must put on our pride in order to direct our path to follow God's will. Therefore, he encourages reaching out toward others and placing them first; along with realizing that God is the ultimate prize. There is no hope in idolatry, which is what thrives when we place ourselves or other items ahead of God.
I agree with what C.S. Lewis says. Pride thrives off of our own selfish feelings. It is because of our inner desires that we become prideful which then leads us toward the path of destruction. The way that Lewis explains pride is brilliant. Yet, I love the simplicity in this quote. There is no complex way to get off the path of destruction. Lewis just gives us simple little steps. In order to rid ourselves of our pride we must first acknowledge those around us. I agree that we are not fully able to love God unless we can first love our neighbors. We may not always see or understand the way God works, which is why i think it is important to love those around us. If we can handle their complexity then we will ultimately be able to love God to an even deeper extent. The greatest result in a conscious love for others, especially God, is a happy life that brings glory to our Creator.
I loved everything C.S. Lewis said about pride. What stood out to me most was the convicting stuff. But I really like that you chose to write about taking pride in something other than yourself. It's important to remember that it's okay to be proud of something else, and also that having TOO much pride in something else can be just as problematic as personal pride.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Happy birthday, Tori :)