As we've been focusing on pride this week, we've seen it only as a negative, the sin that precedes and produces all other sins in our lives, but does pride have a good side?  Those of us who have children have all said, "I'm proud of her" or "I'm proud of him."  Is that bad?  The Apostle Paul actually uses pride in a positive manner in Galatians 6:4.  Here's what he wrote:  ⁴Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.  (Galatians 6:4 NIV)

Notice that the beginning of "good" pride is testing our actions.  Whatever we do, as followers of Jesus we need to ask, "Why did I do that?"  When we do a good deed for someone, what's the motive?  Did we do it out of a desire to show the love of Jesus?  Did we do it just as a good deed?  Did we do it so the recipient would think well of us, or reward us?  The motive matters when it comes to our lives.  The Apostle Paul tells us when we test our own actions we can take pride in ourselves without comparing ourselves to someone else.  Here's the key:  good pride doesn't compare.  Good pride doesn't say, "Look at me!  I'm better than others, because I'm always doing good deeds."  Good pride doesn't imagine a "crowd" watching and applauding as it carries out an action.  Good pride says, "God has given me the ability to do so many things, and I'm glad I can do them!  Good pride always looks to God in gratitude.  As we go about the day, let's do great things in Jesus' name and be proud­--in a good way--of ourselves!

Take a moment to review Galatians 6:4.  As you do, ask yourself, "Do I show "good" pride in my life most of the time, or is my motivation to receive the applause of others, or to appear better than them?  Then pause, and either repent or praise God, whichever is appropriate based on the result of your review.

Let's pray.  "Heavenly Father, Thank You for all the gifts and skills you give us!  Let us use them to glorify you and as we do let us take pride in ourselves to Your honor and praise!  This we ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.