In what ways can we avoid the pride shown by the Ammonites? Setting the Scene: Pride in Ezekiel 25:3 Ezekiel 25:3: “Say to the Ammonites, ‘Hear the word of the Lord GOD: This is what the Lord GOD says: Because you said, “Aha!” against My sanctuary when it was profaned, against the land of Israel when it was desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into exile,’” • The Ammonites rejoiced over Judah’s downfall, revealing smug self-confidence and disdain for God’s people. • Their “Aha!” showed a heart that forgot God’s sovereignty and ignored shared accountability before Him. Identifying Modern Echoes of Ammonite Pride • Gloating when others fail—whether a rival at work, a family member, or even another church. • Assuming national or cultural superiority and sneering at those under judgment or hardship. • Treating God’s discipline of others as entertainment gossip rather than a sober reminder. Guardrails to Keep Pride Out of Our Hearts • Remember shared frailty: 1 Corinthians 10:12—“So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” • Choose empathy over schadenfreude: Romans 12:15—“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” • Watch the tongue: James 3:9-10—blessing and cursing must not flow from the same mouth. • Recall God’s stance: James 4:6—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Heed warning signs: Proverbs 16:18—“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Building a Lifestyle of Humility • Daily acknowledge God’s sovereignty; pray Psalm 139:23-24 to expose hidden pride. • Serve those who struggle, turning potential mockery into ministry (Galatians 6:1-2). • Celebrate God’s work in others, refusing comparison (1 Corinthians 13:4—love does not boast). • Keep short accounts with repentance; humility grows where sin is quickly confessed (1 John 1:9). • Practice gratitude; thankful hearts have little room for arrogant superiority. Encouragement: God’s Grace for the Humble • Micah 6:8—“He has shown you, O man, what is good… to walk humbly with your God.” • Luke 18:13-14—The tax collector went home justified because he humbled himself. • 1 Peter 5:6—“Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you in due time.” • When humility replaces gloating, God’s favor replaces opposition. Key Takeaways • Reject the “Aha!” spirit—gloating is pride masked as insight. • Cultivate empathy, service, and gratitude to crowd out arrogance. • Stay alert: pride attacks in subtle ways, but Scripture and the Spirit expose it. • God stands ready with grace for every heart that bows low before Him. |
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