The Big 7

I'm not able to articulate why certain subjects pop into my head but this morning, as I intended to blog about something else entirely, the 7 deadly sins just kept rolling around in my otherwise foggy, not-yet-caffeinated brain.
Where in the world did they come from? Am I committing all 7?

You are probably aware of the following factoids but let me bring you up to speed on the historical significance and then we'll talk about these little (big?) thorns in our side.

• Initially, Greek monastic theologian Evagrius of Pontus first drew up a list of eight offenses and wicked human passions:. They were, in order of increasing seriousness: gluttony, lust, avarice, sadness, anger, acedia, vainglory, and pride. 
• In the late 6th century, Pope Gregory the Great reduced the list to seven items, folding vainglory into pride, acedia into sadness, and adding envy 
• He decided the most serious to least as follows: pride, envy, anger, sadness, avarice, gluttony, and lust. The criteria? Based on the degree from which they offended against love. Interesting! 

This last point is where I want us to zero in. The 7 deadly sins were ranked according to how flagrant their offense was against love. Of course, the bible repeatedly tells us how important love is (1 Corinthians 13:13, for instance) but do we live our days focused on not offending the gift of love? Love for our Creator, for our family, our friends, the oppressed, etc.?




Let's first look at pride. Pride is excessive belief in one's own abilities, that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise and is otherwise known as vanity. C.S. Lewis says this, "A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you." Wow.

So, as food for thought, here are some reference points to see if your prideful spirit is in check. (Oh, this thorn really is sticking in my side this morning.)

Do you have a need to out perform anyone else? In terms of appearance, finances, accomplishments...?

Do you thrive on being the center of attention?

Are you resentful of criticism?

Is it tough to apologize?

Are some tasks too menial for you?


I'm not going to leave you all beat up and battered today. No, lift your head up! When we know better, we can do better. We can start by turning our focus on others; recognizing their accomplishments and watching them shine. We can do something for someone without any need for kudos. We can reach down and give someone a leg up. God sees what we're doing and that's more than enough!

Start small on making needed adjustments and watch the joy in your heart increase tenfold.

Be blessed!

Amy