![]() If given a choice between failing to vanity and any other pattern, choose vanity. This does not mean it is a trivial matter, but that it is often a lesser evil. The chains of vainglory are preferable to the chains of every other pattern. It must be detected as early as possible in order to defeat it. It varies wildly in its approach, and can subtly attack every area of life. ![]() Vanity is very difficult to anticipate and identify. The shame and dishonor of the latter preclude the self-interest of the former. He can be a 2) determined 1) hypocrite who 3) takes what rightly belongs to others while 4) furthering his own causes in 5) an effort to feel better about himself. Vainglory is a pattern of 1) pretense, 2) persistence, 3) presumption, 4) promotion, and 5) puffiness or in other words, 1) affectation, 2) ambition, 3) arrogance, 4) advancement, and 5) aggrandizement. Carnal vanity focuses on one's things (wealth, power, appearance, prestige, influence, etc.), and says, "Look at how great I am!" On the other hand, spiritual vanity is fixed upon one's accomplishments (especially those of a spiritual nature, such as fasting, tithing, church attendance, etc.), and says, "Look at how good I am!" There are two basic forms of vainglory: carnal and spiritual. Pride asserts independence from God and others, whereas vainglory feeds off of feelings of superiority to God and others. Pride honors the self, while vainglory dishonors others. The differences between vainglory and pride are subtle, yet significant. Lightning (vainglory) precedes thunder (pride) and heralds its imminent arrival. Together, they are like thunder and lightning. No other pair of patterns mutually reinforces each other as well as these two do. These two patterns also move more rapidly from the moment of assent to captivity than do any of the other patterns (see the sidebar on lust). Both can be performed without physical activity, and neither explicitly requires external provocation. Vainglory and pride share much in common. They are so bent on looking good (often at the expense of others) that they wind up living insulated, isolated lives. Sadly, many who struggle with vanity are just like this young woman - completely unaware of the true nature of their problems. ![]() ![]() He said that what she really needed was not a pastor, but an eye doctor. The pastor immediately recognized the source of her problem, and told her that he was not qualified to help her. She confided to him that wherever she went, she noticed that she was always much more beautiful than every other woman she met. A young woman asked her pastor for help in dealing with a particular problem.
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