How can we guard against pride and sin in our own lives today? Setting the Scene: The Fall Behind the Curtain “By the vastness of your trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mountain of God, and I banished you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.” (Ezekiel 28:16) The verse pulls back heaven’s curtain and lets us witness pride’s first bloom—and its ruinous harvest. If a glorious cherub could tumble from God’s presence, no one is immune. So how do we guard our own hearts? Seeing Pride for What It Is • It begins subtly: admiration that turns into self-exaltation • It disorients: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) • It deceives: “If you think you are standing firm, be careful not to fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) Keeping a Clear Line of Sight to God • Daily Scripture intake—truth recalibrates our perspective (Psalm 19:7-11) • Continual conversation with Him—prayer exposes hidden motives (Psalm 139:23-24) • Regular worship—adoration shifts focus from self to the Majesty of God (Revelation 4:10-11) Cultivating Humility on Purpose • Choose the low place: “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” (1 Peter 5:5) • Remember Christ’s example: “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—yes, death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) • Practice secret service—do good when no one sees (Matthew 6:3-4) Anchoring Ourselves in Grace • Grace received disarms pride: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • Grace shared keeps us mindful of our own need: “Restore him gently… watching yourself, lest you also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) Building Protective Walls • Accountability friendships—invite trusted believers to speak truth into your life • Confession as routine maintenance—not an emergency measure (1 John 1:9) • Gratitude journal—thanking God daily reminds us everything is gift, not entitlement Living in Dependence, Not Defiance • Rely on the Spirit’s power: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Embrace weakness: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) • Keep eternity in view—pride is obsessed with now; humility thinks ahead to the throne (Romans 14:10-12) Walking Forward Ezekiel’s fallen cherub warns us, but Christ’s open arms invite us. Guard the heart, cling to grace, and pride loses its grip. |
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