An example of this is the word "Pride." We have read of how the devil in the scripture is supposed to have fallen from pride. Now, a lot of us, especially in our younger years but often true in older ones, too.. will take issue with that. We SHOULD feel good about ourselves, we argue. If we have done good things and accomplished certain things, why shouldn't we feel happy for that and if we believe we should not feel happy for that it can rob us of needed self confidence that helps promote our growth in other areas. In order to grow, you must believe that you can.
However, I don't think that is what the problem would be. That's not the kind of damage that pride can do. It isn't about loving yourself for the good that you do. It is more about depriving yourself of the good that is DUE, out of the refusal to admit that you can be wrong or flawed or the need to have others acknowledge you as being good.
There were times in my life when I had to go on food stamps or public assistance in the life stage in which I found myself. I would risist it for a long time, even as I found my options shrinking. I didn't want to admit that I could need help, and so I would suffer and not have as good as conditions as I could have out of my pride of feeling myself too good for the help.
Similarly, there have been times that I was determined to win or be proven right in a conflict or disagreement with someone else. The end result of that desire was loss of connections and potential that could be had if the need to "win" was set aside.
So, while it is good to feel happy about your accomplishments, it is destructive to feel you are too good to be mistaken, flawed, or wrong for seeking your own way. And, that misunderstanding can cost you more than you were made to lose. Confession or humility does not break you down. It is the beginning of beginning to rise.
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