How can we avoid the prideful behaviors Jesus warns about in Mark 12:38? The Warning Jesus Gives “ Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes and receive greetings in the marketplaces.” (Mark 12:38) What Pride Looked Like in Jesus’ Day • Long, flowing robes—an outfit that screamed, “Notice me.” • Public greetings—so everyone would recognize their title. • Craving the spotlight—verse 39 adds the best seats in synagogue and banquets. The heart issue: a hunger for status rather than a hunger for God. How Pride Shows Up Today • Serving at church only when the role is visible. • Posting acts of charity so followers applaud. • Dropping titles or achievements in casual conversation. • Measuring worth by likes, views, or applause instead of faithfulness. Why Pride Is So Dangerous • God actively resists it: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • It invites a fall: “Pride goes before destruction.” (Proverbs 16:18) • It blinds us to sin—self-congratulation muffles conviction. • It steals glory from the One who deserves it (Isaiah 42:8). God’s Practical Path to Humility 1. Seek His approval first “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God?” (Galatians 1:10) 2. Serve in secret Jesus: “When you give…do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (Matthew 6:3) 3. Clothe yourself with humility “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” (1 Peter 5:5) 4. Regular heart checks Pray Psalm 139:23-24—invite God to expose hidden pride. 5. Elevate others deliberately “In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) 6. Celebrate unseen faithfulness Applaud the custodians, nursery workers, behind-the-scenes saints. Christ’s Example of True Greatness “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who…emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant…He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8) • Though Lord of all, He washed feet (John 13:14-15). • Though worthy of worship, He chose obscurity, poverty, and a cross. Follow the pattern: greatness is measured by how low we are willing to stoop in love. Daily Habits That Keep Pride at Bay • Start each morning thanking God rather than listing tasks. • Perform one act of kindness no one will ever know about. • When complimented, redirect the praise to God aloud. • Read a Gospel chapter daily—watch the Servant-King at work. • End the day asking, “Did I point anyone to Jesus or just to myself?” Final Encouragement “He has shown you…what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) Walk humbly, and the prideful robes lose their appeal. God’s grace flows freely to the heart that stays low. |
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