How can we guard against pride in our own lives today? Pride exposed in Moab “We have heard of Moab’s pride — his exceeding pride and arrogance, his conceit and haughtiness of heart.” (Jeremiah 48:29) • Moab’s reputation wasn’t hearsay; God Himself put it on record. • The list of synonyms (pride, arrogance, conceit, haughtiness) shows how deeply the sin had taken root. • The rest of the chapter describes Moab’s downfall, proving that pride always draws God’s opposition (Proverbs 16:18). Why pride is still dangerous today • It blinds us to our need for grace (Luke 18:9-14). • It provokes God to resist us rather than assist us (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). • It tempts us to steal glory that belongs to Him alone (Isaiah 42:8). Guardrails that keep pride at bay 1. Remember who God is, daily • “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) • Regular worship resets perspective: He is Creator; we are created. 2. Compare yourself only to Christ, never to people • “When they measure themselves by themselves…they are without understanding.” (2 Corinthians 10:12) • Christ’s perfection leaves no room for boasting (Romans 3:27). 3. Practice intentional humility • “In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3-5) • Look for unnoticed tasks, unthanked service, secret giving (Matthew 6:1-4). 4. Cultivate a grateful memory • Keep a running record of answered prayer and past rescues (Deuteronomy 8:2). • Gratitude shifts the spotlight from self-achievement to God’s provision. 5. Embrace accountability • Invite honest friends to speak into blind spots (Proverbs 27:6). • Respond with repentance, not defensiveness (Psalm 141:5). 6. Submit each success back to the Lord • “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7) • Celebrate wins by praising Him first, not by polishing your résumé. 7. Lean into weakness • Paul “boasted” in weakness so Christ’s power could rest on him (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Acknowledging limits invites divine strength and keeps ego thin. Living it out this week • Begin each morning with a brief doxology: speak aloud one attribute of God and one reason you depend on Him. • Choose one ordinary chore and perform it anonymously. Let no one know but God. • End each day by listing three graces you received that you did not earn. God’s Word exposes pride, but it also equips us. As we walk these guardrails, the downfall of Moab becomes a warning we heed, not a fate we repeat. |
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