There are many stumbling blocks to contentment. Greed, envy, selfishness, and a complaining spirit are all obvious obstacles to having a spirit of contentment. But have you ever considered that there is one root sin that all of these things have in common? This sin is pride, also known as pridefulness.

Pride can be likened to a hidden virus that manifests itself with all sorts of ugly symptoms. For those unacquainted with the disease, all the various symptoms may seem random or unrelated. For example, if a person experienced a high fever, accompanied by white spots inside the mouth, inflamed eyes, fever, rash, diarrhea, a runny nose, and a persistent cough, he may have thought that he had a strange mixture of chicken pox, stomach bug, and the flu. But an experienced doctor would know exactly what the malady is: measles!

All the varied symptoms of measles stemmed from a basic, underlying cause that could be carefully discerned. Only when the root cause was discovered could the proper treatment be administered. Similarly, pride can mask itself in many ways, but an honest look at motives can reveal some basic truths. Let’s observe some of these assumptions that can lead to pridefulness.

Pride falsely assumes that I deserve the best

A sense of entitlement is intertwined with pride. A young person who longs for marriage or perhaps yearns for a specific person as a potential spouse is liable to think that he or she “deserves” something from God. This attitude of entitlement is pride at its root. If we think we “deserve” any good thing, we are gravely mistaken.

A humble person wisely realizes that God and others along the way have helped him to achieve any successes he may have experienced. God and others deserve the credit instead of him claiming it solely for himself. Rather than being prideful, the humble man or woman would be grateful. A Christian’s confession should be the same as Jacob’s in Genesis 32:10, “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant.”

Pride falsely assumes that I am right and others are wrong

A proud man becomes a discontented man when he assumes that he is right every time. A young person seeking counsel about marriage yet retains an arrogant spirit will not accept counsel. He will make assumptions about the people giving counsel, such as his pastor doesn’t understand him, his parents unfairly judge him, his fiancée just doesn’t have the full picture, or that the parents of his fiancée are hypercritical!

These thoughts are symptoms of pride. Rather than humbling himself before seeking counsel, this young person proves himself to be a fool and sets himself up for misery in marriage. A humble man is a wise man. Solomon recorded in Proverbs 1:5, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.”

Pride falsely assumes that my way is the best way

Have you ever met a man who is “set in his ways” and will not change? Such a man, usually aged since he is firmly settled in his habits and attitudes, is often stubborn and resistant to change or suggestions. How much sadder when a younger man or woman, or even a couple preparing for marriage, are obstinate in their spirits! Their assumption that their ways and ideas are best is another evidence of pride.

Many factors are involved in preparation for marriage. For example, the effect on the entire family must be considered. How will a sibling respond when an older brother or sister is married? Who will fill the new vacancy at home? What are the needs that grandparents might have for the wedding?

Young people that stubbornly plan their wedding and their marriage without seeking and receiving wise counsel are demonstrating that they are thinking only about themselves. This selfishness and pridefulness does not bode well for a happy future.

Humble Christians are contented Christians. They will thoughtfully and respectfully listen to wise counsel and be willing to cheerfully adjust their plans in order to benefit others and to glorify the Lord.