How can we avoid becoming ensnared by our own pride like Absalom? Setting the Scene: Absalom’s Fatal Pride “Now Absalom happened to meet David’s servants. Absalom was riding his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak. Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree, and he was left hanging in midair as the mule under him kept going.” (2 Samuel 18:9) • Absalom’s handsome appearance (2 Samuel 14:25), charm, and political skill bred overconfidence. • His pride literally lifted his head higher than his body could bear, leaving him helpless and exposed. • Scripture presents this as a real historical warning: pride always hoists people up only to leave them dangling. Spotting the Roots of Pride in Our Hearts • Inflated self-importance (Proverbs 26:12) • Trust in personal abilities rather than in the Lord (Jeremiah 17:5) • Secret comparisons that feed superiority (Galatians 6:3) • Resistance to counsel or correction (Proverbs 13:10) • Craving applause and visibility (Matthew 6:1) Guardrails that Keep Pride from Taking the Reins • Stay beneath God’s Word: “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). Let every decision bow to it. • Measure success by obedience, not by outcome or recognition (1 Samuel 15:22). • Keep short accounts with God—confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • Surround yourself with truth-telling friends like Nathan was to David (Proverbs 27:6). • Remember the brevity of life: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while” (James 4:14). Practices that Cultivate Humility Daily habits: – Begin each morning acknowledging dependence: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) – Read a gospel paragraph to keep Christ’s cross before you (Philippians 2:5-8). – List three undeserved mercies received in the last 24 hours to foster gratitude. – Serve in hidden ways—tasks no one notices (Mark 10:45). Weekly rhythms: – Honor the Lord’s Day, resting from self-promotion and remembering His sufficiency (Exodus 20:8-11). – Fast occasionally to train the soul to submit (Matthew 6:16-18). – Share testimonies of weakness so that Christ’s power is spotlighted (2 Corinthians 12:9). Living Free from the Snare • “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) • Humility does not demean; it positions us under God’s mighty hand so He can lift us up in due time (1 Peter 5:6). • Walking humbly, loving mercy, and acting justly (Micah 6:8) keeps the head low enough never to catch in the branches. |
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