I find myself very defensive at times.  I am not sure what is wrong with me (well, I have a few ideas).   I don't like it when people tell me what they really think, especially when I know they are correct.  I am not sure how and when I became so defensive-- but I am much more self aware then I have ever been. 
     Okay so what is it that I am trying to protect or prove?  Come on, seriously?  Do I really think I have it all together?  Do I really believe that through out all time and history what I think is the best possible way?  What is wrong with my thinking?
     So the other day a good friend suggested some small changes I needed to make...and I thought to myself..."and you are"?  Wow.. where did that come from? 
It came from sin.  Sin in believing that I don't need anybody else.  Sin in believing I can do all things on my own.  Sin in believing that my own experience is the ultimate truth.  Sin in believing in myself way too often.  Do you know where believing in yourself way too often leads?  Sorry Oprah.
     Eventually the best got a hold of me and my idiocy was put to rest.  I know those tendencies are still there, waiting to attach themselves to the next challenge of my supreme knowledge.  It will always be a battle..but I want to be aware of my enemy. 
God hates pride.  Proverbs 8:13 says "Pride and arrogance and the evil mouth, and the perverted mouth I hate."
Why don't we hold people accountable to their pride? 
Isn't it strange that we are more apt to hold someone accountable for missing a quiet time than calling them out on their blessed assurance of self-love.
     This is what I love about working at Real Life.  There is no room for pride here.  Because we all know where we have come from and understand how easily it would be to digress there.  We are real people that struggle with real things and are learning to be aware of our need for God and each other.  The best part is -- we can admit it here.  We have built an environment where we are able to speak into each others lives...and take it personally.  Yeah, take it personally, because that is what its about.  If I am ever going to grow, learn and change I need to take things personally from those who care for my best. 
So next time someone challenges your pride, listen to them.  Maybe what they are saying is exactly what you need to hear.