Vanity, definitely my favorite sin
With this statement, the 1997 film The Devil’s Advocate sharply concludes. After failing to corrupt the protagonist with the obvious allure of gluttony, greed, power, and lust - Al Pacino, playing The Deceiver, resorts to a most subtle ploy. Entomb the good man in his own pride.
Having only seen the end of the movie on TNT, I’m not commending it for viewing pleasure. Yet I mention this scene precisely because its’ closing statement is profoundly true. Vanity is his favorite sin.
After the hero shuns all manner of temptation and makes a costly stand for justice, one would assume him to be rid of the Enemy. Yet the last scene portrays a shocking twist. The Tempter appears as an adoring reporter, playing to the hero’s pride. At first the hero proves uncomfortable with the attention but then his countenance shifts. He entertains temptation. Without a word you can hear his thoughts, “Unlike the other attorneys, I stood against evil. My morals would not be compromised, I am unique. Maybe I should be recognized”
Unwittingly, he was doomed. Abruptly, the credits roll.
Recently while reading Bernard of Clairvaux, I came across a sermon entitled On David and Goliath and quickly Pacino’s line came to mind. In this piece ‘David’ typifies the saints determined to follow righteousness. Accordingly, ‘Goliath’ is a type of pride. The giant who threatens to crush all would be seekers of God.
In my own life I've felt pride take many forms, perhaps none more frustrating than the type On David and Goliath highlights. And while not personally keen on typological/allegorical interpretations of Scripture, Bernard’s handling of pride in the life of the believer deserves attention largely because it is so practical. For this reason alone, a few portions are worth sharing (20 Centuries of Great Preaching, Vol 1, Bernard of Clairvaux, On David and Goliath, pg 149-50):
For pride is the greatest of sins, to the assaults of which the people of God are more liable than are any others, and it singles out for attack those especially who seem to have overcome all the other vices. Here you have the reason why it challenges us religious to single combat, because namely, it usually makes its appearance when the rest of our enemies have been routed.
Then, quite hopeless of gaining the victory by his own unaided powers, and armed with faith alone, let him not consider Goliath’s enormous stature, lest perchance he should grow fearful of being crushed under his weight…
(On the five stones David took from the riverbed) It seems to me, therefore, that by the five stones taken from the torrent we may not unreasonably understand the fivefold word of the Word of God, that is to say, the word of warning, the word of promise, the word of charity, the word of example, and the word which relates to prayer.
Bernard goes on say that when under the temptation of pride these stones are to be our defense. We need remember and “fear the terrible threats of God” against the proud. We need recall the “infallible promises of God” to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. We need consider the “love which the Lord of Majesty has shown” for us, the most lowly. We need think of “the examples of the saints” who have walked in humility and service. Lastly when incapable of recalling any of these stones, “thou must apply thyself to prayer with all the fervor thou can command”.
Wherever we may be spiritually, let us “easily understand and quickly discern what we’ve felt in our interior”. For “unhappy is the man who devoting all his attention to the outward observances, remains ignorant of his interior”. Should the Spirit use these words for illumination, take the grace and kindness of God to heart. As Paul encourages, God alone is faithful to complete the work He started in us.
In closing, do you agree with Bernard’s assessment of pride in the life of the believer?
From your own life, what might you add to his thoughts?
Maybe it’s an attitude or a specific action, but in your life what does spiritual pride look like? When do you know you’ve crossed the line into sin?
With this statement, the 1997 film The Devil’s Advocate sharply concludes. After failing to corrupt the protagonist with the obvious allure of gluttony, greed, power, and lust - Al Pacino, playing The Deceiver, resorts to a most subtle ploy. Entomb the good man in his own pride.
Having only seen the end of the movie on TNT, I’m not commending it for viewing pleasure. Yet I mention this scene precisely because its’ closing statement is profoundly true. Vanity is his favorite sin.
After the hero shuns all manner of temptation and makes a costly stand for justice, one would assume him to be rid of the Enemy. Yet the last scene portrays a shocking twist. The Tempter appears as an adoring reporter, playing to the hero’s pride. At first the hero proves uncomfortable with the attention but then his countenance shifts. He entertains temptation. Without a word you can hear his thoughts, “Unlike the other attorneys, I stood against evil. My morals would not be compromised, I am unique. Maybe I should be recognized”
Unwittingly, he was doomed. Abruptly, the credits roll.
Recently while reading Bernard of Clairvaux, I came across a sermon entitled On David and Goliath and quickly Pacino’s line came to mind. In this piece ‘David’ typifies the saints determined to follow righteousness. Accordingly, ‘Goliath’ is a type of pride. The giant who threatens to crush all would be seekers of God.
In my own life I've felt pride take many forms, perhaps none more frustrating than the type On David and Goliath highlights. And while not personally keen on typological/allegorical interpretations of Scripture, Bernard’s handling of pride in the life of the believer deserves attention largely because it is so practical. For this reason alone, a few portions are worth sharing (20 Centuries of Great Preaching, Vol 1, Bernard of Clairvaux, On David and Goliath, pg 149-50):
For pride is the greatest of sins, to the assaults of which the people of God are more liable than are any others, and it singles out for attack those especially who seem to have overcome all the other vices. Here you have the reason why it challenges us religious to single combat, because namely, it usually makes its appearance when the rest of our enemies have been routed.
Then, quite hopeless of gaining the victory by his own unaided powers, and armed with faith alone, let him not consider Goliath’s enormous stature, lest perchance he should grow fearful of being crushed under his weight…
(On the five stones David took from the riverbed) It seems to me, therefore, that by the five stones taken from the torrent we may not unreasonably understand the fivefold word of the Word of God, that is to say, the word of warning, the word of promise, the word of charity, the word of example, and the word which relates to prayer.
Bernard goes on say that when under the temptation of pride these stones are to be our defense. We need remember and “fear the terrible threats of God” against the proud. We need recall the “infallible promises of God” to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. We need consider the “love which the Lord of Majesty has shown” for us, the most lowly. We need think of “the examples of the saints” who have walked in humility and service. Lastly when incapable of recalling any of these stones, “thou must apply thyself to prayer with all the fervor thou can command”.
Wherever we may be spiritually, let us “easily understand and quickly discern what we’ve felt in our interior”. For “unhappy is the man who devoting all his attention to the outward observances, remains ignorant of his interior”. Should the Spirit use these words for illumination, take the grace and kindness of God to heart. As Paul encourages, God alone is faithful to complete the work He started in us.
In closing, do you agree with Bernard’s assessment of pride in the life of the believer?
From your own life, what might you add to his thoughts?
Maybe it’s an attitude or a specific action, but in your life what does spiritual pride look like? When do you know you’ve crossed the line into sin?
Grace and Peace
I lift up my importance above that of my fellow believers. When this happens, I KNOW I am in sin and must be brought low.
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What happened to my dumb roomate... I miss him, I don't think I am smart enough to be friends with this Jason. Very insightful writing, this ought to be published...
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