How can we guard against pride as warned in Ezekiel 28:9? Setting the Scene: The Warning of Ezekiel 28:9 “Will you still say, ‘I am a god,’ in the presence of those who kill you? You will be but a man, not a god, in the hands of those who slay you.” (Ezekiel 28:9) God spoke these words to the proud prince of Tyre. The claim to divinity exposed a heart swollen with self-importance. The same danger lurks in every human heart, so Scripture gives a clear pathway for guarding against pride. Understanding the Root of Pride • Pride elevates self above God and others. • It springs from a faulty assessment of personal ability, intelligence, or righteousness. • Pride blinds us to our dependence on the Lord for every breath. Recognizing the Signs of Pride • Inflated self-talk and self-promotion (Proverbs 27:2). • Resistance to correction (Proverbs 12:15). • Secret delight in the failures of others (Galatians 5:26). • Prayerlessness that implies self-sufficiency (John 15:5). Practical Safeguards Against Pride • Remember human frailty: “Dust you are, and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19) • Acknowledge God’s sovereignty: “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7) • Keep short accounts with sin through regular confession (1 John 1:9). • Serve in unnoticed tasks, choosing the lowest place (Luke 14:11). • Celebrate the successes of others, thanking God for His grace in them (Romans 12:15). Looking to Christ: The Model of Humility • “Have this mind among yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” (Philippians 2:5-6) • He “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” (Philippians 2:7) • Christ washed feet (John 13:14-15), showing that no task is beneath the child of God. Daily Habits That Keep Pride in Check • Start the day with thanksgiving, acknowledging God as the Giver. • Meditate on Scripture that exalts His greatness and our dependence (Psalm 8; Isaiah 40:12-31). • Journal answered prayers to remember grace received, not accomplishments earned. • Fast periodically, letting physical weakness remind the soul of its need. • Speak words of genuine encouragement, building others up rather than self. Scriptures That Reinforce the Warning • “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” (1 Peter 5:5) Encouraging One Another in Humility • Share testimonies of God’s mercy, highlighting His work rather than personal skill. • Invite trusted believers to speak truth when signs of pride appear. • Celebrate corporate worship that centers on God’s majesty, shifting focus away from self. Pride collapses under the weight of God’s glory. By fixing our eyes on His greatness, embracing humble service, and remembering our utter dependence on grace, we guard our hearts and heed the sober warning of Ezekiel 28:9. |
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