Weeds: Human Errors

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. Return of the Prodigal Son (1668)

Pridefulness


But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

James 4:6 (NIV)


Pride is the focus on oneself rather than on God and others.  It is a barrier to a healthy relationship with God.  Instead, humility involves recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses and relying on God's grace and mercy.


Pride can present itself in various ways, depending on the context and the individual. Here are a few common ways that pride can manifest:




It's important to note that having a healthy sense of self-esteem and confidence is not the same as being prideful. 

Unkindness


Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.


Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)


Unkindness is an act of intentionally causing harm, pain, or suffering to others. Here are some examples:



Lust


Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.


Romans 13:14 (NIV)


Lust refers to errors related to unrestrained desire for sexual gratification.  Specifically, lust manifests as engaging in sexual desires in a way that objectifies others and treats them as mere objects of pleasure, rather than as fellow human beings created in the image of God.  It is a form of selfishness and an improper use of the gift of human sexuality.   Here are some examples:


Slothfulness


Through laziness, the rafters sag;  because of idle hands, the house leaks.


Ecclesiastes 10:18 (NIV)


Sloth, or laziness, can present itself in various ways. Here are some common manifestations of sloth:



Overall, sloth is characterized by a lack of motivation and effort, leading us to neglect important aspects of our life, whether physical, emotional, or our relationship with God.  It can be a challenging obstacle to overcome, but through prayer, self-reflection and effort, it is possible to cultivate greater diligence and discipline in our life.

Greed


Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”


Luke 12:15 (NIV)


Being greedy generally refers to acts born from an excessive or selfish desire for more than what is necessary or fair.  Here are some examples of being greedy:



Again, it's important to note that having a reasonable desire for financial security or success is not the same as being greedy. Greed becomes problematic when it leads to behaviors that harm others or undermine the functioning of a community as a whole.


Deceit


Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.  They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.


1 Peter 3:10-11 (NIV)


Deceit can present itself in various ways. Here are some common manifestations of deceit:



Overall, deceit is characterized by dishonesty and a lack of integrity, leading a person to mislead or harm others for personal gain. It can be damaging and destructive behavior, both for the person engaging in deceit and for those around them. It is important to cultivate honesty and transparency in our interactions with others, in order to build trust and foster positive relationships.

Other


What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!


Romans 6:15 (NIV)


God’s conviction of words or action that goes against His will as revealed through the Bible, church teachings, prayer, reflection, and feedback from fellow Christians.