Devotional

When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead, Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.

-Esther 3:5-6

Pride is often easy to see in others but difficult to recognize in ourselves. In this portion of Esther’s story, we witness the destructive nature of pride through Haman. Although he held one of the highest positions in the Persian Empire, it wasn’t enough—because one man, Mordecai, refused to bow. That single act unraveled him, exposing the emptiness of a life consumed by self-regard.

Pride—whether it takes the form of superiority or inferiority—is a restless fixation on the self. It's the need to be noticed, respected, and honored above others. Pride is not just one sin among many but the root of many others, including bitterness, worry, and even hatred. Haman’s pride didn’t just destroy him; it threatened countless others.

But there is a better way. True humility is not about self-loathing but about self-forgetfulness. When we are humble, we are free from the exhausting ego calculations that pride demands. We are able to genuinely love others and live for God’s glory, not our own. As we look at our own hearts, may we allow God to root out pride and grow in us the freedom of Christlike humility.

Discussion Questions

1. Who is someone you’ve known who seemed genuinely humble? What stood out about them?

2. When was a time you felt overlooked or underappreciated? How did you respond?

3. The sermon described two types of pride—superiority and inferiority. Which form are you more prone to struggle with, and why?

4. How do you usually handle criticism? What does that reveal about pride in your life?

5. How do you see pride affecting our culture—especially through things like social media or career ambition?

6. In what ways can you practice humility in your daily life—at home, at work, and in your church community?

7. Read Philippians 2:3-8. What stands out to you about Christ’s humility, and how can you imitate that in your own life?

Action Steps (Choose One or More to Try This Week)

Give Credit: Intentionally acknowledge and affirm someone else’s contributions or success—especially in a setting where you might typically seek recognition.

Serve Quietly: Do an act of service without telling anyone—no recognition, no posting, just loving others in humility.

Celebrate Others: This week, intentionally rejoice in someone else’s win—without comparing or diminishing yourself.

Practice Prayer: Set aside 5 minutes sit in prayer before God, asking Him to reveal areas of hidden pride.