Haman is annoying isn’t he? It’s his pride and self-love that makes him unattractive, at least to me. Apparently, his wife and friends thought he was pretty wonderful. They were just as arrogant. They enjoyed associating with someone who had made such an impression on the king. Who wouldn’t want to be around someone with great wealth who had also been promoted over all the other officials and leaders of the land.
Pride can be a slippery slope. There is helpful pride and there is harmful pride. It is good to take pride in your work, so that you work harder, are more productive, and truly care about the final outcome. It is good to take pride in your health, so that you care for your body, get enough rest, eat healthy food, and exercise to keep your body strong. But when we take pride in our power or our prestige, it can often set us apart from others.
We are all equal in God’s eyes. God doesn’t count our achievements or lack thereof for or against us. He simply loves us. All of us. The good and the bad. He may not like our behaviors, but he loves us.
Haman’s pride in his good fortune is tainted by his bitterness against Mordecai. He thinks everyone should be impressed and in awe of him. Mordecai is not. That hatred for Mordecai and his resistance is consuming Haman. He couldn’t even truly enjoy the banquet Esther set before him.
Have you ever been so consumed by something happening in your life that you miss out on enjoying even one moment God has given you? The bitterness that develops can be crippling. Hebrews 12:15 says “watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by its poison.”
Take some time to really let that sink in. Don’t be like Haman and let your pride and bitterness consume you. Bitterness can take hold and take the joy out of life. It is not how God wants you to live.
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me when I get a little too big for my britches, as my mom used to say. Help me to stay focused on the gifts you’ve given me and use them in helpful ways. May I never be boastful and prideful in an ugly way. May I strive for excellence as a means of stewardship for what you’ve given me, not for the recognition I’ll receive. Do help me to accept both criticism and praise with grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
