How can we avoid pride after victories, as warned in Daniel 11:12? Setting the Scene Daniel 11:12: “When the multitude is carried off, his heart will be exalted, and he will cast down tens of thousands, but he will not prevail.” Victory came…yet the king “will not prevail” because pride spoiled the win. Scripture shows that the battle against pride begins the moment success arrives. Recognizing the Seeds of Pride • Victory can inflate the heart (Deuteronomy 8:10-14). • Pride blinds us to our dependence on God (Proverbs 16:18). • Self-confidence invites a fall (1 Colossians 10:12). Practical Heart-Checks After Every Win 1. Return thanks immediately. • “Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory” (Psalm 115:1). 2. Speak the story truthfully. • Emphasize God’s role more than your own (Judges 7:2). 3. Evaluate motives. • Ask, “Would I be as joyful if someone else had received this victory?” Habits That Keep Pride at Bay • Daily Scripture intake—letting God’s Word recalibrate the heart (John 15:3). • Regular confession—acknowledging hidden arrogance before it grows (1 John 1:9). • Serving others—choosing roles that offer no spotlight (Mark 10:45). • Accountability—inviting trusted believers to warn when ego surfaces (Proverbs 27:6). Biblical Snapshots: Wins Turned Sour • King Uzziah: “When he was strong, his heart was lifted up, to his destruction” (2 Chronicles 26:16). • Hezekiah: showed off treasures instead of God’s greatness (Isaiah 39:2-6). • Disciples: rejoiced over demon-power; Jesus redirected them to rejoice that their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Keeping Success God-Centered • Remember the Source—“Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). • Rehearse dependence—“Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Redirect applause—point admirers to Christ’s work in you (Galatians 2:20). Long-Range Perspective Victories are temporary; God’s kingdom is eternal (1 Peter 1:24-25). Guarding humility ensures that wins become testimonies rather than stumbling blocks. Encouragement for Today Victories don’t need to end like Daniel 11:12. Staying grateful, humble, and God-focused transforms every success into a platform for His glory and our lasting joy. |
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