Part 1 here.

4. Humility is the essential element needed for true inward transformation to take place.  

I have settled on a definition of humility as consistent awareness of utter dependence upon God’s empowering grace, built upon knowledge of complete spiritual poverty (i.e. neediness).  It involves a recognition of our own sinfulness, but not in the sense that we try to exaggerate our claim to be more wicked than others.  Rather, we recognize that we are like all others, entirely fallen and utterly helpless apart from Christ's empowering work.  This leads to a posture of dependence in our every breath in the Christian life.  

The reason I say “essential element” is that without it none of God’s ways of changing us can be accessed.  When one does not recognize his own spiritual neediness for God’s empowering Spirit to bring transforming grace, it can’t be accessed.  It can’t be accessed for at least two reasons: first, a self-reliant person puts energy into trying more than asking.  Second, God opposes the proud, but gives grace (what I call empowering grace) to the humble (See James 4).  True, God is very gracious and can even work in a proud heart, but I wouldn't depend on it if I were you. 

5. Pride is often hidden, dressed in other clothes. Pride looks great as hurt. Pride wears honesty well. “Honestly, I’m just better than . . .”  Pride just wants everyone else to do their part. Pride wants to serve, but needs others to know. Pride is easily offended. Pride wants to be holy, but really just holier. Pride makes sense as confidence, but draws confidence from comparison and self-assured love of human abilities. Pride hides! Uncover it and mock it (in yourself).  

6. Idolatries make decisions harder and bring a fog of conflicted motivations.

In my experience, idols reek havoc within when I am looking for clarity when choices need to be made. For example, if I have an idolatrous desire for respect and honor from another, I find it much more difficult to respond appropriately when that person hurts, disappoints, or disregards me. My response may be motivated by how my idol has been affected or offended instead of out of love for the person, for Christ, and for good.  If I find myself  disproportionately offended or angry at someone, I have learned to suspect an idol.  I have plenty within, so I am not shocked when one pops up to disrupt my life in some way. 

Part 3