Pride Must Die

By Jim Quigley

I had a good childhood. I am the oldest of four, and my parents did their best. I attended private Christian school until eighth grade and attended church most Sundays and Wednesdays. I went to youth group, played baseball, and participated in the Boy Scouts. I said the sinner’s prayer at a young age and identified strongly as a believer in Jesus. I knew He died to make me right with God. I even lead others to Christ during sleepovers at my house. One year I got in trouble for bringing our Jewish doctor’s son to observe a Christian presentation.

I am part of the last generation that came home when the street lights came on and had what seemed to be an irresponsible amount of freedom to roam the neighborhood on my BMX bike, hanging out with my friends. I still look back on those days with fondness.

As an adult, I had to reflect on my life and where things “turned south.” In that neighborhood, in my school, and with my friends, I desired to be the most well-thought-of. I wanted to be popular. I wanted to have the best stuff compared to my peers. I was jealous when I felt I was behind. If I felt less, I would devise ways to get back on top. I would do something to be “cool,” like take a risk and steal some candy from the 7-11 or pick a fight with anyone perceived as weaker in our group. It may seem that I was consciously calculating, but it wasn’t that. I did these things almost without thinking. Only in the reflection of the past and the help of God and His truth have I been able to discern the behavior.

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death. Even in laughter the heart may ache,and rejoicing may end in grief. The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs. The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.” Proverbs 14:12-16

At 12, my parents moved our family to a suburb. Things got worse with a new school, new neighborhood, and the same mentality. I was very behind in my status among these new