Pride & Prejudice

I loved the book, "Pride and Prejudice." The whole plot is about aristocratic English society. Some people are snobs - other people are assumed to be snobs (but turn out to be OK) - still others realize that they were themselves snobs without realizing it.

The book was great - unfortunately it reflects an ongoing characteristic of real life. We make assumptions about people and look down on some and look up to others without any real knowledge of their hearts. All of this starts with our prideful overestimation of our own goodness and objectivity.

We are better off to try to avoid stereotyping or even classifying people. We should just deal gently with people and assume the best of them wherever possible. Keep it simple. Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Don't presume to know what is going on in other people's hearts and minds - we don't even know what is going on in our own hearts most of the time.

Our pride is really a strike against God's glory. Whenever we think we are something, we forget that God is everything. Whatever gifts we have - whatever strengths - whatever goodness - even our life itself - depends completely and totally on God. If we have something good, it is really a reflection of God's ultimate good.

Sometimes you have to deal with difficult situations and people who seem to be trying to be unpleasant.

Keep your cool. God is in control. Be humble and gentle, because it is not your reputation on the line, but God's.