Arrogance is welded into our sinful human nature.  Although there is a rightful pride in using our gifts well and wisely as gifts from God (the joy of being 'fit for purpose' - Galatians 6:4), comparative pride is wicked. That error starts with a false estimate of ourselves.  Usually we think that we are better than others, but some people have an inverted pride and insist that they are worse than everybody else to gain attention: both are expressions of self-centred pride.

The Apostle Paul had been brought up to be proud of his Jewish heritage and pious religious observance (Philippians 3:4-6).  And he was so sure he was right that he persecuted the church (Acts 9:1-2; Acts 26:9-11).  It was not until Jesus confronted him, that Paul realised that he had to come under Christ’s authority.  Paul repented and obeyed Jesus (Acts 26:12-19).

Paul says that every believer should come to an accurate view of their character, gifts and abilities (Romans 12:4-8) – all have come because of God’s grace (1 Corinthians 15:9-10).  To say that we are 'rubbish' is a denial of our Saviour's grace, and to think that we are better than others is either to judge others, or to ignore our own weakness and failings.  So, how do we come to a right view of ourselves?  We need to see ourselves in the mirror of God’s Word (James 1:22-25).  We serve because we are gifted, but often fall back on our own fleshly ability rather than relying on His strength.  Understanding ourselves requires honesty about both.

The Holy Spirit will teach us how to compare our lives with the Word, which is designed to teach, rebuke, correct and train us in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).  But we need to be willing.  Every believer ought to audit their lives, checking if what we think about ourselves is true.  Satan operates in the shadows of half-truths and wants us to believe them.  For evil to take hold, it is either necessary to have a wrong belief about our Saviour God, or a wrong belief about ourselves.  Those who are confident that they know the gospel, but do not understand themselves are in serious spiritual danger.  So, start a personal audit today, without comparing yourself to others.  Then ask the Lord what He wants you to do.