In my 38-year career with a large oil company I saw a number of good men who experienced success, only to see a pride build up in them that led to overreach in the exercise of their authority and subsequent downfall.  I too, struggled at times with pride in how I related to others, and in allowing my position to define who I was.

Even the disciples, James and John, sought the position of sitting at Jesus’ right and left. The others became indignant, but Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant…For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mk. 10:43, 45) The reason Jesus said it was easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than a rich man into the Kingdom of God is because of the pride that often accompanies wealth and worldly success.

I have learned so much about humility from our daughter, Emily who has Down syndrome.  She does not presume any special position, only to love her family and friends and to experience our love in return. 

One of the problems with how we handle success is its definition.  The world views success in terms of position, authority, power, and wealth, while God views success in terms of whether we are fulfilling his will in our lives.  He urges us to pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.”  If our focus is on seeking God’s will, we might be better able to handle success however it is defined and in whatever form it takes. 

A friend gave me a Litany of Humility which I sometimes recite during morning prayer. 

“O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, deliver me from the desire of being esteemed, loved, extolled, honored, praised, consulted or approved.  Deliver me from the fear of being humiliated, despised, forgotten, ridiculed or wronged.  Grant me the grace to desire that others might be loved more, esteemed more, chosen, praised, preferred, and become holier than I, provided that I become as holy as I should.”

How do you deal with success and pride in your life?