In what ways can we guard against pride in our own lives today? Setting the Scene in Ezekiel 31:11 “ I handed it over to the leader of the nations, for him to deal with it according to its wickedness. I have banished it.” Assyria, once lofty like a mighty cedar, fell because pride turned its heart from the Lord. God’s judgment was swift and total. This sober snapshot reminds us that unchecked pride still invites discipline today. Why Pride Is So Dangerous • It blinds us to God’s sovereignty (Ezekiel 31:10). • It twists blessings into reasons for self-exaltation (Deuteronomy 8:10-14). • It positions God as our opponent: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6). • It precedes ruin: “Pride goes before destruction…” (Proverbs 16:18). Practical Ways to Guard Against Pride Today 1. Keep God’s Greatness Front and Center • Begin each day by reading a passage that magnifies the Lord’s majesty (e.g., Isaiah 40, Psalm 145). • Regularly recount specific works He has done in your life; let gratitude displace self-glory (Psalm 103:2). 2. Embrace Humble Self-Assessment • “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think with sober judgment.” (Romans 12:3). • Invite trusted believers to speak truthfully into your blind spots (Proverbs 27:6). • Compare yourself with Christ, not with others (Philippians 2:5). 3. Practice Hidden Acts of Service • Serve where recognition is unlikely—clean-up crews, hospital visits, unseen donations (Matthew 6:1-4). • Let anonymity train the heart to seek the Father’s approval alone. 4. Cultivate a Thankful Tongue • Replace self-praise with acknowledgments of God’s grace in everyday conversation (1 Corinthians 15:10). • End each day listing three mercies received; humility grows where gratitude flows. 5. Stay Cross-Focused • Frequent meditation on Christ’s sacrifice keeps the spotlight on His merit, not ours (Galatians 6:14). • Celebrate communion with fresh awe, remembering whose broken body bought our standing. 6. Submit to Scripture, Even When It Confronts • Let the Word correct attitudes promptly (Hebrews 4:12). • Memorize verses that target pride—see list below—and recite them when self-importance surfaces. 7. Welcome God’s Discipline • View setbacks and criticisms as pruning, not punishment (Hebrews 12:6). • Like Nebuchadnezzar, let humbling experiences move you to exalt the Most High (Daniel 4:37). A Quick Daily Checklist □ Did I thank God specifically for today’s blessings? □ Did I quietly serve someone without expecting credit? □ Did I acknowledge a weakness or ask for help? □ Did I deflect praise back to the Lord? □ Did I meditate on a passage that highlights God’s supremacy? Key Passages to Memorize Living alert to pride is not a one-time project but a lifelong posture. By keeping God exalted, practicing humble habits, and welcoming His corrective hand, we guard our hearts and enjoy the grace He loves to give. |
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