Removing Your Shame Label

by Eddie Capparucci

Shame-filled pride also hinders our relationship with God by requiring us to put ourselves before others. In his book It’s Not About Me, Max Lucado describes what occurs when we are driven to focus numero uno. “Self-promotion. Self-preservation. Self-centeredness,” writes Lucado. “It’s all about me! They all told us it was, didn’t they? Weren’t we urged to look out for number one? Find our place in the sun? Make a name for ourselves? We thought self-celebration would make us happy. But what chaos this philosophy creates.” Shame-filled pride kills relationships. And that’s a problem because God is all about cultivating meaningful relationships. The individual with a shame-filled pride demeanor takes the approach he doesn’t need others except to receive their praises and accolades. This individual is not concerned with the welfare of his neighbors. He is not interested in resolving social issues or concerns. He is focused on getting his needs and desires met.