Brokenness

An excerpt from Brokenness, author - Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Over the years I have asked the Lord to show me some of the characteristics of a broken person, and how they compare with a person with a proud spirit.  In the form of a "proud versus broken" comparison, I have listed some of the things that have come to my attention as I've allowed the Lord to search my own heart.  This is by no means an exhaustive list;  the Lord will undoubtedly show you other characteristics as you open your heart to Him.  

Let me encourage you to avoid the temptation to skim through this.  Instead, take time to read it prayerfully and ask God to show you , "Am I a proud or broken person?"  You may even want to place a small check mark next to any evidence of pride that you see in your life.  That simple act could be an important step toward cultivating the broken, humble heart that God revives.

Proud people focus on the failures of others and can readily point out those faults.

 ~ Broken people are more conscious of their own spiritual need than of anyone else's.

Proud people are especially prone to criticize those in positions of authority--their pastor, their boss, their husband, their parents--and they talk to others about the faults they see.

 ~ Broken people reverence, encourage, and lift up those that God has placed in positions of authority, and they talk to God in intercession, rather than gossiping about the faults they see in others. 

Proud people have to prove that they are right. They have to get the last word.

 ~ Broken people are willing to yield the right to be right.

Proud people are self-protective of their time, their rights, and the reputation.

 ~ Broken people are self-denying and self sacrificing.

Proud people desire to be known as a success.

 ~ Broken people are motivated to be faithful and to make others successful.

Proud people keep others at arm's length.

 ~ Broken people are willing to take the risks of getting close to others and loving intimately.

Proud people wait for others to come and ask forgiveness when there is a misunderstanding or a breach in a relationship.

 ~ Broken people take the initiative to be reconciled, no matter how wrong the other party may have been.

Proud people are unapproachable or defensive when corrected.

 ~ Broken people receive correction with a humble, open spirit.

Proud people try to control the people and the circumstances around them - they are prone to manipulate.

 ~ Broken people trust in God - they rest in Him and are able to wait for Him to act on their behalf.

Proud people are remorseful over their sin - sorry only that they got caught or found out.

 ~ Broken people are truly repentant over their sin, and the evidence of their repentance is that they forsake the sin.

(pages 83-92)