Pride

Sometimes one hears famous sportsmen saying that they are proud to have won a title or reached a goal. To be honest, I have difficulties relating to the term "pride" in this context. It goes against the concept of stewardship that God teaches us. God has equipped each one of us with certain talents and skills. It is then up to us to make the best of it, to steward well the things with which we've been entrusted. 

But this idea of being a steward also shows us that we are nothing and can do nothing without the giver of the gifts which were given to us. So, if these sportsmen were not given their talents in first place and if they would not put in an environment where they could develop it, they would not have achieved anything. We can try very hard to succeed but there are some things that are out of our control on our way to success. A steward acknowledges this and knows that behind all his success is God who made it possible. Pride thinks that all is accomplished by one's own hard work. 

Feeling a sense of fulfillment when we accomplish something that is part of our design, part of what we are made for, seems to be a better way to process emotions along these lines. But pride is misplaced. Pride is working against the purposes of God. God cannot use a proud heart.