My Way or The Highway!

How many times have we been frustrated because things did not go the way we wanted or planned for them to go? If we are being honest with ourselves the number would be quite high. We are all human and part of our human nature is to go our own way and have people fall in line. When others don't fall in line with our plans then we head off without them.

I lived this way for quite some time, continually thinking my way was the best way and when anyone tried to tall me otherwise I would start spending less time with them so I wouldn't have to face the fact they may have a point. Pushing them away subconsciously or consciously in some cases, I found myself on my highway alone. Pride alienates us from family, friends and other people in our lives who care about us and our well-being.

When people try to talk to you about your life and where are you headed, do you listen and consider what they are saying, or do you get your back up and tell yourself they just don't understand you, where you are or where you are going. Do you convince yourself you are right, not receiving correction? There are times when people don't understand but the path you are on is the right one. In these cases, you find yourself trying to maintain relationship through it, rather than pushing people away.

I faced an incident like this recently. The people invited me and my husband to a meeting. We heard what they had to say, but my heart was grieved. These people did not see what was happening from our point of view, we were trying to follow God's plan for us. I still needed to ensure I was not being prideful in the situation. So I prayed first and God increased my peace, so I knew I was on the right path. Additionally I sought out a couple of friends, one in the know of what God has been doing in our lives and one who had no idea of what has happened in the last year, completely objective. Both parties saw that we were on the right path and encouraged us to keep going.

On the other hand, there have been times when people have told me something that I disregarded that I should have listened to. I allowed my pride to dictate the situation and because I did not like what they said I pushed them away. Luckily, some of them stuck it out and stayed in my life, praying I would change direction and believing the seeds they dropped would grow someday.

The indicator of whether you are operating in pride or humility lies with your heart. Are you willing to hear the other person out even if they are wrong? Are you willing to preserve relationship even if they don't understand you or what you are doing? When people place boundaries, are you bulldozing them or adhering to them? We need to face every situation with humility.

Join us for our webinar on Thursday October 2, 2025 @ 7pm, as we discuss the warning signs, the pitfalls and how to repair damage pride has caused. We look forward to seeing you there, register by clicking the button below.

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