"El orgullo debe morir en ti, o nada del cielo podrá vivir en ti."

The core idea here is that pride and humility cannot coexist in the same heart. If we want to experience the fullest, most spiritual aspects of life—or "heaven"—we need to let go of our pride. Imagine pride as this big, stubborn block in your chest. It takes up so much room that there's no space for anything else, especially not for the gentler, more divine qualities that make life rich and meaningful.

This quote, attributed to Andrew Murray, a South African writer and Christian pastor, speaks volumes about the spiritual journey. Murray believed that for one to truly connect with the divine, one must rid themselves of ego and self-centeredness. He lived in the 19th century, a time when religious and moral teachings were deeply woven into the fabric of society. His works were aimed at guiding people toward a more devout and humble life, away from the pitfalls of pride.

Let's take a real-life example to ground this idea. Picture a successful entrepreneur, Anna. She built her business from the ground up—through sleepless nights, countless setbacks, and sheer determination. Success, however, brought her a sense of invincibility. She began to dismiss others' contributions, believing that her way was the only way. Her pride created a barrier, and soon, her employees felt undervalued and unheard. The company's growth stagnated because innovation requires collaboration and listening, and her pride wouldn't allow it.

Now, imagine Anna having a moment of realization—perhaps a mentor pointed it out or she had an epiphany during a rare quiet moment. She decided to work on her pride, starting with small steps. She began by genuinely listening to her team, valuing their input, and recognizing their efforts. Slowly but surely, the company culture shifted. Creativity blossomed, and the business found new avenues for growth. By letting her pride die, Anna allowed a new, more harmonious spirit to thrive within her company.

If you're wondering how to apply this in your life, start with self-awareness. Catch yourself in moments where pride takes over—maybe it's an argument where you just have to be right or a situation where you can't admit you need help. Recognize these moments, and consciously choose humility. It could be as simple as admitting a mistake or genuinely complimenting someone without feeling threatened by their success.

Let's bring this home with a relatable scenario. Think about a time when you had a disagreement with a close friend. You were convinced you were right and refused to back down. The argument escalated, and in the end, both of you were hurt. Now, imagine if you had paused and let go of your need to win. What if you had listened, acknowledged their perspective, and found common ground? The outcome would likely have been vastly different—stronger friendship, deeper understanding.

Pride is like a double-edged sword. It can drive you to achieve great things, but if left unchecked, it can isolate you and stunt your growth. Letting go of pride doesn't mean losing your confidence or strength. It means making room for wisdom, compassion, and a touch of heaven in your life. Next time you feel pride swelling up, take a deep breath. Remember that by making space for humility, you open up a world of richer, more meaningful experiences.