In contrast to the vice of pride, Christ tabled the virtue of poverty of spirit in the Sermon on the Mount. This is the antithesis of our postmodernism’s mantra of “I’m good enough, and smart enough and gosh darn it, people like me.” Christ says something more like, “Nah, I disagree. I say you’re fortunate when you feel that in and of yourself you’re destitute and bankrupt.”

I know this doesn’t square with our Oprah-addled, positive confessing culture; but God’s Son (for what that’s worth) states that one is in a good state when he is acutely aware of his lack and confesses his ignorance, and his inability, and he goes to his Creator to fetch his strength, goodness, wisdom, etc.

For clarification purposes, poverty of spirit has nothing to do with money—either abundance or lack thereof. I know plenty of people who are broke and full of themselves. In addition, it has nothing to do with being a backward-looking, passive, low-talking, “ah shucks” doormat for people or demons. Jesus had this poverty of spirit, and He sure as heck wasn’t some opinion-less, Hacky Sac that fools could kick around. Stated plainly, poverty of spirit is simply a realistic assessment of our selves plus a trust in God.

Here are some practical tips, stolen from Jeremy Taylor, on how we, with God’s assistance, can slay the deadly sin of pride:

1. Don’t think you’re better than anyone else just because you’re outwardly prosperous. Outward prosperity doesn’t mean that God’s cool with you.

2. Humility doesn’t consist of railing against yourself, or shopping at Kmart or being mousy and submissive; but rather, having a hearty and real assessment of what an idiot you can be in your heart of hearts.

3. When you do get props for doing something good, be indifferent about it and toss the accolades to God. Remember, He’s the giver of gifts, He’s the Blessor of the action, and you’re the dispensable tool He picked to get the job done. Don’t forget that.

4. Let other people praise you and not yourself, okay?

5. Love it when others are applauded and prospered in your presence. Entertain their good and glory with delight. Don’t disparage them or rain on their parade or make an objection. Don’t pitch a fit at another’s profit. His or her advancement doesn’t lessen your worth, Dinky. Get a grip. The adulation pie is big. Keep working hard, and you’ll get a slice someday.

6. Don’t compare yourself with others unless it is to advance them and to keep your ego at bay.

7. If you have screwed up, own it.

8. Thank God for every weakness and imperfection you have and accept them as gifts from God that keep you from being some duped and overly preened diva.

9. Don’t slam anybody else unless God, the universe and common sense is screaming they need the hammer. Be slow to roast people in public. Remember, if God removes His grace from you, you’re done.

10. When you do get a rave review, don’t camp too long in warm and fuzzy zone, patting yourself on the back. History shows that people get creamed shortly after they get the big head. Failure follows success if you don’t watch the sin of pride. King David committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband iced when he was at the top of his game, not when he was a dependent, punk kid taking on Goliath.

11. And lastly, never forget, as Montaigne once said, that “on the highest throne in the world man still sits on his arse.”

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