A quintet of killers are after your dream. And they may be nearer than you think. The comic strip character Pogo once observed, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
These silent assassins are often found collaborating with one another. Among the Most Unwanted are #1 Fear, #2 Envy, and #3 Shame. Adding to that list is the insidious assassin Pride.
This is the fourth in a series of five Public Service Announcements issued as a warning to be on the alert for these interlopers.
Public Service Announcement
This fugitive is a serious threat to your dream. Use every precaution. Pride should be considered armed and dangerous.
Pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes.” John Ruskin
Physical description:
- Masquerades as confidence, but don’t be fooled. It’s really uninformed confidence.
- Obsessed with personal brand and image management. More concerned about maintaining perceptions than doing the right thing.
- Prefers to play the role of hero. Enjoys the limelight. Relegates others to a supporting cast. Rarely gives credit to others.
- Anxious to share opinions and easily angered when advice is not followed.
- Criticizes other’s contributions to draw attention to themselves. Frequently says, “What I would have done…”
- Though easily spotted in others, pride doesn’t recognize itself.
Aliases: Also goes by Hubris, Confidence (misdirected), Cockiness, Pretentiousness, Arrogance
Precautions: If you know the whereabouts of this Dream Assassin, take the necessary precautions. Like a live frog cooking in a slowly heating kettle, pride builds slowly, conspiring to destroy your dreams. God opposes the proud (James 4:6) and harboring pride puts you and your dream in opposition to Him.
What are some other characteristics of this Dream Assassin?
