How can we guard against pride in our own lives today? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 26:2: “Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gateway to the peoples is broken; she has been handed over to me, and I will be filled now that she lies in ruins,’” Tyre exulted over Jerusalem’s downfall, convinced it could now seize more trade, power, and wealth. That boastful attitude drew God’s judgment. What can we learn so pride does not gain the same foothold in us? What Tyre’s Pride Looked Like • Celebrated another’s misfortune • Assumed security in its own resources and location • Believed blessing could be grabbed rather than received from God • Considered itself immune to the discipline that had fallen on Jerusalem Timeless Warnings About Pride • Proverbs 16:18 — “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • James 4:6 — “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • 1 Corinthians 10:12 — “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall.” Practical Ways to Guard Against Pride 1. Regular Heart Checks • Ask: Am I secretly rejoicing when others stumble? • Review motives: Is success prompting gratitude or self-glory? 2. Celebrate Others’ Victories • Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” • Practice genuine praise for coworkers, friends, family. 3. Receive Correction Quickly • Proverbs 27:6: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” • Invite honest feedback; refuse defensiveness. 4. Keep Achievements in Perspective • 1 Corinthians 4:7: “What do you have that you did not receive?” • Daily thank God for every ability, resource, opportunity. 5. Serve in Hidden Places • Philippians 2:3-4: “In humility consider others better than yourselves.” • Choose tasks no one notices—clean-up, behind-the-scenes help. 6. Prioritize Scripture and Prayer • Psalm 119:105: God’s Word exposes self-exaltation. • Humble prayer acknowledges dependence (Luke 18:13). 7. Remember the Cross • Galatians 6:14: “May I never boast except in the cross.” • Christ’s sacrifice levels all human rankings; grace silences pride. Verses to Memorize When Pride Knocks Living It Out Today Tyre’s downfall began with a smug “Aha!” toward Jerusalem. Guard your own heart by replacing every “Aha!” with “All glory to God.” Stay teachable, serve quietly, and keep the cross in view; then pride loses its grip and grace finds room to grow. |
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