In what ways can we avoid the pride seen in Moab's example? The Warning in Jeremiah 48:17 “Mourn for him, all you who surround him, all who know his name. Say, ‘How the mighty scepter is broken— the glorious staff!’” Moab’s “mighty scepter” symbolized strength, influence, and self-confidence. When the staff snapped, the pride behind it shattered too. Their downfall invites us to ask, “How can we keep from following the same path?” Recognizing the Roots of Pride • Self-reliance that pushes God to the margins (Jeremiah 48:7) • Boasting in achievements, heritage, or strength (Jeremiah 48:29) • Dismissing correction and refusing repentance (Jeremiah 48:30) • Finding identity in possessions or position rather than in the Lord (Jeremiah 48:36) Guardrails That Keep Pride in Check 1. Daily acknowledge God’s sovereignty – Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” – Begin each day confessing that all you have and are comes from Him. 2. Celebrate dependence, not independence – John 15:5: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” – Intentionally invite Christ into decisions instead of leaning on personal savvy. 3. Practice quiet acts of service – Philippians 2:3-4 calls for humility that “values others above yourselves.” – Serve where no applause is expected; let God alone see. 4. Stay teachable under Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16: every word “is God-breathed and profitable for teaching.” – Approach the Bible as a student, not a judge. When it confronts, submit. 5. Keep short accounts with sin – 1 John 1:9 urges immediate confession. – Pride festers when sin is excused; humility grows when sin is exposed. 6. Remember the cross often – Galatians 6:14: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Rehearse what Christ accomplished for you—there is no room for self-glory at Calvary. Scriptural Reinforcements • 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 Peter 5:5-6 – “Clothe yourselves with humility…that He may exalt you in due time.” • Luke 18:13-14 – The tax collector’s humble plea is the posture God exalts. • Micah 6:8 – “Walk humbly with your God.” Living It Out Today • Speak less of yourself and more of Christ. • Seek feedback; receive it without defense. • Honor others publicly; encourage quietly. • Measure success by obedience, not applause. • Keep eternity in view—Moab’s “glorious staff” broke overnight, but God’s kingdom endures forever. Moab’s story stands as a cautionary mirror. By embracing daily dependence on the Lord, intentionally choosing humility, and aligning our hearts with His Word, we avoid the ruinous pride that felled a nation and instead walk in the grace that lifts the humble. |
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