Q&A Home > P > Pride

How can I tell if what I am doing is done for self righteousness and self gratification or for the glory of God and benefits of other people? I do not want to fall in the sin of pride, so could your Grace advise me?

St. Peter writes, "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen" (1 Pt 4:10,11). If God has given you the gift to understand and communicate your knowledge to others in a simple way, you should not bury this gift, but use it in full capacity. The main point here is, not to take pride in  your knowledge but to glorify God for the talent He has bestowed upon you and to direct the attention of your listeners that what you say is for the honor of God and the good of others not for personal gratification.  When you are about to embark upon doing something whether it is spiritual or physical, pray so that God may use it for His glory.

The fact that you have doubt in your mind and are questioning yourself about your real motives demonstrates that you are not submitting to pride and self-righteousness. Change this doubt into a positive attitude by glorifying God for this gift, "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31).