Therapy and Theology: Bonus Episode Summary – "Is Pride Really a Deadly Sin?"
Release Date: June 13, 2024
Host: Lysa TerKeurst
Guests: Jim Kress, Dr. Joel Mutamali
Introduction
In this bonus episode of Therapy and Theology, host Lysa TerKeurst collaborates with Jim Kress, a licensed professional counselor, and Dr. Joel Mutamali, Director of Theological Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries. Inspired by Dr. Mutamali's new book, The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence through Humility, the trio delves deep into the nuanced discussion of pride, its ramifications, and the profound gift of humility.
Defining Pride and Its Dangers
The conversation opens with an exploration of pride, particularly focusing on its subtle and often deceptive nature. Dr. Joel Mutamali introduces the concept of "hidden pride," highlighting how it can masquerade as something beautiful yet be fundamentally corrupt.
Dr. Joel Mutamali [00:48]: "At the core, underneath all of this, is the presence of what I've often referred to as hidden pride. Hidden pride is so scary because hidden pride often presents itself as something very beautiful, but on the inside, it's actually corrupt."
Lysa TerKeurst emphasizes the insidiousness of pride, noting how individuals may be unaware of their own pride or even deny its presence.
Lysa TerKeurst [03:43]: "The tricky thing about pride is that often if you're struggling with pride, you don't know it. Or even worse, you'll say, I'm not prideful."
The Seven Deadly Sins and Their Inverted Virtues
To contextualize pride within a broader framework, Dr. Mutamali engages in a thought exercise about the Seven Deadly Sins, exploring how each sin has an inverted counterpart that reflects both its negative and positive aspects.
Dr. Joel Mutamali [04:20]: "If you inverted each of these, you would actually find on the spectrum that at the core of each of these is actually something that could be beautiful."
For instance, Jim Kress discusses lust, framing it as a natural desire that becomes problematic when it evolves into obsession and objectification.
Jim Kress [04:31]: "I take them to the Greek epithumia, which is an empty cup. It's something empty. Temptation feels the emptiness of the cup. Lust tries to fill the emptiness of the cup."
This examination underscores the complexity of pride and related sins, illustrating how their allure stems from their ability to elevate oneself beyond healthy boundaries.
Humility as a Counter to Pride
Central to the discussion is the transformative power of humility. Dr. Mutamali articulates humility not as self-deprecation but as a means to genuine self-awareness and proper relational dynamics.
Dr. Joel Mutamali [10:03]: "Humility is regaining for us the gift of self-awareness."
Lysa TerKeurst resonates with this perspective, sharing her personal practices that foster humility, such as worship and engaging with God's word.
Lysa TerKeurst [11:09]: "One of the most peaceful places that I can ever put myself in is just on my face before the Lord... It requires that posture of humility, that posture of acknowledging our dependence on Him."
The trio emphasizes that humility restores humanity's intended posture before God, as exemplified by Adam and Eve in Eden, contrasting it with the numbing effects of pride.
Dr. Joel Mutamali [08:49]: "Narchao... has to do with growing numb over a period of time. What pride is doing to us, it's actually inviting us into a type of numb life."
Practical Implications and Personal Reflections
The conversation shifts to practical applications of these theological and psychological insights. Jim Kress offers a balanced view on pride, acknowledging its place in healthy self-recognition while cautioning against its excesses.
Jim Kress [13:05]: "There are times I'm even proud of me. I said, jimbo, you did a good job today. You helped some people. But that's not an unhealthy pride."
Lysa TerKeurst shares her grounding principles, highlighting the importance of focusing on small, meaningful actions over public accolades.
Lysa TerKeurst [18:17]: "What keeps me grounded is that perspective from a spiritual standpoint... The minute I think, like, wow, I'm all that is a minute that I am exposing myself without the protective covering of God."
This segment underscores the delicate balance between healthy pride and destructive arrogance, advocating for a humility rooted in dependence on God.
Conclusion
In wrapping up the episode, Dr. Mutamali eloquently summarizes humility as the foundation of the Christian life, offering protection, prevention, and preservation against the pitfalls of pride. He underscores humility’s role in fostering peace with God and, by extension, with others.
Dr. Joel Mutamali [22:30]: "Humility is a protection, a prevention and a preservation. Humility preserves us in the faithful life of Christ."
Lysa TerKeurst and Jim Kress echo these sentiments, reinforcing the episode's central thesis: embracing humility is essential for genuine spiritual and emotional well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Hidden Pride: Often presents as positive but harbors internal corruption.
- Seven Deadly Sins: Each has an inverted virtue that can be positive when balanced correctly.
- Humility: Restores self-awareness and proper relational dynamics, grounding individuals in their dependence on God.
- Practical Balance: Healthy pride involves recognizing achievements without succumbing to arrogance.
- Spiritual Grounding: Focusing on meaningful actions and dependence on God fosters true humility and peace.
Notable Quotes
- Dr. Joel Mutamali [00:48]: "Hidden pride often presents itself as something very beautiful, but on the inside, it's actually corrupt."
- Lysa TerKeurst [03:43]: "The tricky thing about pride is that often if you're struggling with pride, you don't know it."
- Jim Kress [04:31]: "Lust tries to fill the emptiness of the cup."
- Dr. Joel Mutamali [10:03]: "Humility is regaining for us the gift of self-awareness."
- Lysa TerKeurst [18:17]: "What keeps me grounded is that perspective from a spiritual standpoint."
- Dr. Joel Mutamali [22:30]: "Humility preserves us in the faithful life of Christ."
This comprehensive discussion in "Is Pride Really a Deadly Sin?" offers listeners profound insights into the nature of pride and the indispensable role of humility in fostering a balanced and faithful life. Whether grappling with personal pride or seeking to cultivate deeper humility, this episode provides valuable guidance grounded in both theology and therapeutic practice.