In what ways can we guard against pride in our own lives today? The Warning in Ezekiel 28:7 “Therefore, behold, I will bring strangers against you, the most ruthless of nations, and they will draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom and will defile your splendor.” (Ezekiel 28:7) The king of Tyre’s self-exaltation invited judgment. Pride always receives God’s direct opposition (James 4:6). By seeing how God dealt with arrogant Tyre, we learn how seriously He takes this sin—and why guarding our hearts today is essential. Tracing the Roots of Pride • Overestimating our accomplishments (Deuteronomy 8:17-18) • Forgetting God’s sovereignty over every success (Daniel 4:30-32) • Craving the praise of people (John 12:43) • Measuring ourselves against others instead of God’s standard (2 Corinthians 10:12) Signs That Pride Is Creeping In • An inability to celebrate someone else’s win • Prayerlessness—living as though self-sufficiency is enough • Irritation when corrected (Proverbs 9:8-9) • A secret sense that certain tasks are “beneath” us • Talking more about self than Savior (Luke 18:11-14) Guardrails to Keep the Heart Humble • Remember the source: “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7) • Fix the eyes on Christ’s example: “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death” (Philippians 2:8). • Embrace accountability—invite trusted believers to speak truth before arrogance takes root (Proverbs 27:6). • Serve in unseen ways; hidden obedience trains the soul to seek God’s approval, not applause (Matthew 6:1-4). • Practice regular gratitude—thanking God shifts focus from self-glory to His glory (Psalm 115:1). Practices for Daily Humility • Morning surrender: verbally acknowledge dependence—“Apart from You I can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Scripture saturation: let verses like Proverbs 16:18 and Romans 12:3 recalibrate the mind. • Confession quickness: keep short accounts with God and people (1 John 1:9). • Celebrate others intentionally—send a note, speak encouragement, elevate their contribution (Romans 12:10). • Keep the cross central: boast only “in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). Encouragement from the Cross God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5-6). When pride surfaces, run to the Savior who bore our sin, including the sin of self-exaltation. As we stay low at His feet, He faithfully lifts us up at the proper time. |
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