Maybe Elijah Let a Little Pride Affect His Spiritual Life
Elijah, one of the most prominent prophets in the Old Testament, stands as a towering figure of faith and obedience to God. His boldness in confronting the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel is legendary, a testament to his unwavering trust in the Lord's power. But even a prophet as mighty as Elijah was not immune to the very human struggle with pride—a struggle that might have subtly influenced his spiritual journey.
The Subtle Shift in Elijah’s Prayer
'And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “ Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Hear me, O Lord , hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.”' I Kings 18:36-37
We observe a significant moment in Elijah’s life. Standing before the people of Israel and the prophets of Baal, Elijah prays to God. His first prayer in verse 36 seems to focus on his obedience: “I have done all these things at your command.” It’s as though Elijah is reminding God—and perhaps the people—of his faithful service. Here, the emphasis on “I” could hint at a moment of personal validation, a desire to be acknowledged for his role in this divine confrontation.
But then, something shifts. In the very next verse, Elijah’s prayer changes its focus: “Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again” 'Hear me, O Lord , hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.”' I Kings 18:37
Now, the center of his prayer is no longer himself, but the glory of God and the spiritual restoration of the people. This transition is profound, showing that even Elijah needed to realign his motives—to move from a possible focus on self to a focus on God’s purposes.
Elijah: A Man Like Us
'Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. ' James 5:17
tells us, “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours.” This statement is both comforting and challenging. It reminds us that Elijah, despite his extraordinary faith, was subject to the same weaknesses and temptations that we face. Pride is one of the most insidious of these temptations, often creeping in unnoticed until it has taken root.
Elijah’s humanity is further highlighted 'But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord , take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”' I Kings 19:4
where, after his great victory on Mount Carmel, he flees into the wilderness, overwhelmed by fear and despair. He prays, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Here, we see a different side of Elijah—a prophet who feels inadequate and discouraged. But his statement also reveals a deeper issue: a comparison of himself to others. Elijah says, “I am no better than my fathers,” as if he believed that he should be better. But who had set that standard? No one except perhaps Elijah himself.
This moment of comparison might suggest that Elijah had developed a sense of spiritual importance, knowing that God had used him in mighty ways. It’s possible that this led to a subtle form of pride, where Elijah began to see his worth in relation to the accomplishments of others, rather than in his obedience to God.
The Danger of Self-Centered Thinking
One of the key lessons we can draw from Elijah’s experience is the danger of self-centered thinking. When we become too focused on ourselves—whether on our successes or our failures—we open the door to depression and despair. Elijah’s depression seems to stem from his inward focus. He was thinking about his own life, his own efforts, and his own perceived failures, rather than keeping his eyes on God’s greater plan.
This is a common human experience. We often want life to go our way, according to our plans and desires. But when things don’t turn out as we hoped, or when we don’t meet our own expectations, we can fall into a pit of self-pity and despondency. Elijah’s story reminds us that this is not the path God calls us to walk. Instead, we are called to align our desires with God’s way, to seek His glory above our own, and to trust in His plans even when they differ from our own.
Reflecting on Our Own Lives
Elijah’s journey invites us to reflect on our own spiritual lives. Are there moments when we, like Elijah, have let pride subtly influence our actions or our prayers? Do we sometimes seek recognition for our faithfulness, or compare ourselves to others in a way that leads to feelings of inadequacy? These are difficult questions, but they are necessary for our growth.
We must also consider how often our periods of depression or discouragement arise from a focus on ourselves rather than on God. When our thoughts revolve around our own desires, our own successes or failures, we lose sight of the bigger picture—God’s sovereign plan for our lives.
The solution lies in shifting our focus back to God. Just as Elijah’s prayer shifted from himself to God’s glory, we too must continually realign our hearts and minds to seek God’s will above all else. By doing so, we can find peace and purpose, even in the midst of life’s challenges.
In conclusion, while we cannot definitively say that pride affected Elijah’s spiritual life, it is a possibility worth considering. More importantly, Elijah’s story teaches us the value of humility, the danger of self-centeredness, and the need to keep our eyes on God’s greater purpose. Let us learn from Elijah’s example, striving to glorify God in all that we do, and trusting in His perfect plan for our lives.
By Masonwabe Nyanga
