In what ways can we avoid the pride seen in Nahum 2:11? The Scene: Nahum 2:11 “Where is the lions’ den, the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion and lioness prowled, and the lion’s cubs, with none to frighten them away?” What Pride Looked Like in Nineveh • Self-confidence turned into self-exaltation. • Military strength fostered a false sense of invincibility. • Cruel domination of others was celebrated, not confessed. • God’s warnings were dismissed as irrelevant. Why That Matters to Us • Pride still deceives hearts today (Jeremiah 17:9). • God still “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • The same Lord who judged Nineveh searches our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24). Practical Ways to Avoid This Pride • Remember Who Holds True Power – “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19). – Regularly verbalize God’s sovereignty; say out loud, “You are Lord, I am not.” • Welcome Humbling Circumstances – “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). – Instead of resenting trials, view them as laboratories for humility. • Serve in Obscurity – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). – Volunteer where no spotlight exists; let God see, even if people do not. • Keep Short Accounts with Sin – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). – Pride withers when confession is immediate and specific. • Cultivate Gratitude Daily – “Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). – Thankfulness shifts focus from self-achievement to God’s provision. • Seek Accountability – “Two are better than one… if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). – Invite a trusted believer to ask you hard questions about motives and attitudes. • Meditate on Christ’s Example – “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). – Let the cross recalibrate what greatness truly is. Walking It Out Daily • Begin mornings with Scripture, not social media, to guard perspective. • Replace self-praise with praise reports about God’s work. • End each day by identifying one way the Lord protected you from self-reliance. Pride prowled like a lion in Nineveh; humility keeps us safely in the Shepherd’s fold. |
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