How can we avoid the pride seen in Nehemiah 3:5 in our lives? Setting the Scene “Next to them, the Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.” — Nehemiah 3:5 The wall of Jerusalem was rising, yet a privileged group refused to bend their necks. Pride kept them from serving alongside their own people and honoring God. Why This Matters Today Pride still whispers, “That task is beneath you,” “Let others carry the load,” or “Your name deserves the spotlight.” Left unchecked, it stifles unity, quenches zeal, and blocks God’s blessing (Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6). Spotting Pride’s Early Warning Signs • Reluctance to serve unless recognized • Critiquing others’ work while doing little ourselves • Selective obedience—doing what feels prestigious, avoiding humble tasks • Defensiveness when corrected (Proverbs 13:10) • Comparing gifts, titles, or influence instead of celebrating others (Galatians 6:4) Practical Steps to Humility 1. Remember Who Gets the Glory • “All that you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 • Shift focus from self-promotion to God-exaltation. 2. Embrace the Lowly Tasks • Jesus “poured Himself out, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). • Look for unnoticed jobs: stacking chairs, cleaning, visiting the overlooked. 3. Submit to God-Given Leaders • “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.” — Hebrews 13:17 • The Tekoite nobles rejected oversight; we honor God by honoring righteous authority. 4. Cultivate Thankfulness • Gratitude reminds us every gift is received, not earned (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Daily thank God for abilities, then thank those who serve alongside you. 5. Seek Accountability • “Two are better than one… if either falls, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 • Invite a mature believer to speak truth when pride surfaces. 6. Clothe Yourself with Humility • “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” — 1 Peter 5:5 • Practical clothing: listening more than talking, preferring others’ ideas, celebrating others’ successes. Staying Motivated by Christ’s Example • He washed feet (John 13:12-15). • He bore a cross He did not deserve (Philippians 2:8). • He promises exaltation only after humility (Luke 14:11). Encouraging Outcome When we resist the nobles’ attitude and walk in Christ-like humility, God unites His people, advances His work, and pours out grace: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” — James 4:10 |
    |