What practical steps can we take to avoid pride, as seen in Ammon? Setting the Scene “Therefore I will indeed give you as a possession to the people of the East. They will set up their encampments among you and pitch their tents in you; they will eat your fruit and drink your milk.” (Ezekiel 25:4) Ammon had mocked Judah’s downfall. Their gloating spirit revealed an arrogant heart, and the Lord answered by handing their land to desert tribes. God’s response is a sober reminder: unchecked pride invites real-world consequences. Pride Exposed in Ammon • Gloating over a neighbor’s pain (Ezekiel 25:6). • Assuming God’s judgment on Judah could never touch them. • Trusting in borders, alliances, and prosperity instead of the Lord. Why Pride Draws God’s Judgment • Pride challenges God’s supremacy—He “opposes the proud” (James 4:6). • It blinds us to warning signs—“Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). • It hardens the heart, making repentance less likely—“So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Everyday Habits that Keep Pride Away Cultivate these simple rhythms: • Celebrate God’s grace, not personal merit – Remember everything is a gift: “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). – Begin and end the day naming three reasons to thank Him. • Refuse to rejoice in another’s failure – Ammon’s downfall began with gloating; we do the opposite: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). – When hearing bad news about someone, pray for their restoration rather than spreading the story. • Practice hidden service – Look for tasks that no one applauds—washing dishes after a fellowship meal, writing an anonymous note of encouragement. – “Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). • Keep short accounts with the Lord – End each day with Psalm 139:23-24, inviting God to expose concealed pride. – Confess quickly; lingering sin calcifies the heart. • Stay Scripture-saturated – Memorize humility verses: Philippians 2:3-5; Micah 6:8; 1 Peter 5:5-6. – Let God’s Word recalibrate your view of self and others. • Welcome accountability – Invite a trusted believer to speak plainly if arrogance surfaces. – Submit to elder or mentor counsel instead of bristling at correction (Hebrews 13:17). • Keep an eternal perspective – Ammon lost everything they boasted in. Fix hope on “an inheritance that can never perish” (1 Peter 1:4). – Regularly reflect on the Judgment Seat of Christ; eternal rewards dwarf temporary applause. Living Humility in Community Humility is not self-loathing; it is clear-eyed dependence on God and genuine love for people. As we thank Him for every good gift, serve when no one is looking, and refuse to gloat over anyone’s fall, we walk the opposite path of Ammon and experience the grace He delights to give the humble. |
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