What enables some people to withstand difficulties and come out on top? Pride? On the contrary, an inordinate feeling of self-importance can muddle our perspective and keep us from improving a troubled situation. But self-respect based on man's unbroken relation to God produces sound solutions.
Jeremiah observed, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."Jer. 17:7, 8. Such a person has deep resources, offers shelter and protection to others, and is confident, healthy, and productive. Furthermore, a hostile environment, according to Jeremiah's statement, cannot separate us from good. To have a useful, active life we need total trust in God, who is good. This candid prophet did not say there would be no hard times. But he discerned that reliance on God would enable us to lead fruitful lives that bless others as well as ourselves.
What fruit does this kind of life produce? Paul presents a nine-point list: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Gal. 5:22, 23. To bear these healing qualities is important to our health and well-being. In the degree that we put nothing—no self, ambition, or desire—before our love for God, we will heal. Understanding the difference between pride and self-respect will aid us in bringing forth the right kind of fruit because we will be sure our roots are planted in truth, not in error.
