How can we apply the warning against pride in our personal lives today? Setting the Scene “Son of man, raise a lament over Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him: ‘You were like a lion among the nations, but you are like a monster in the seas; you thrash about in your streams, churn up the waters with your feet, and muddy the rivers.’ ” (Ezekiel 32:2) What Pride Looked Like for Pharaoh • Arrogant self-view—“like a lion among the nations” • Destructive influence—“thrash about… muddy the rivers,” disturbing everyone around him • False security—trusted military power and wealth instead of the Lord Why Pride Remains Dangerous Today • Cuts us off from God’s favor (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) • Precedes collapse (Proverbs 16:18) • Blinds us to personal sin (Revelation 3:17) • Harms relationships by “muddying the waters” with self-promotion or defensiveness Spotting Pride in Everyday Life • Taking credit for successes without thanking God • Avoiding correction or becoming defensive when confronted • Evaluating others mainly by how they benefit us • Reluctance to serve in unnoticed roles • Feeling secretly pleased when others fail or we look superior Replacing Pride with Humility 1. Acknowledge God’s ownership – 1 Chronicles 29:14 b: “Everything comes from You.” 2. Practice gratitude aloud – Psalm 34:1: “I will bless the LORD at all times.” 3. Seek accountability – Proverbs 27:6: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” 4. Celebrate others’ gifts – Romans 12:10: “Outdo one another in showing honor.” 5. Serve quietly – Matthew 6:3-4: Give and act “in secret,” letting God reward. Daily Habits That Starve Pride • Begin each morning by reading a humility-focused verse (e.g., Micah 6:8). • Keep a short list of answered prayers and undeserved blessings. • End the day asking, “Where did I see God’s hand? Where did I demand my own way?” • Regularly volunteer for tasks that will never make a résumé. • Speak well of absent people; refuse gossip that elevates self by demeaning others. Encouragement for the Journey God toppled Pharaoh’s pride, yet He lifts up the humble (Psalm 147:6). Choosing humility invites His intimate guidance, steadying us in a world that still thrashes and muddies its own waters. Stay alert, stay grateful, and let every success point back to the One who gave it. |
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