The Problem of Hard Heartedness (Mark 6:45-56)

There is the temptation that we face, whether we admit it or not, to think at times that we have arrived at a superior place in our sanctification. Now, we might not put it this crassly, but the reality is thatwe do think higher of ourselves than we ought.  Why is that?  We pride ourselves on our systems, our strategies, and our ways overcoming sin.  We do this in the name of growth.  So, what does Christ teach us about Spiritual growth and conforming to Him?