In what ways can we guard against pride in our own spiritual lives? The Scene in the Temple “Azariah the chief priest and all the other priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous on his forehead. So they rushed him out, and he himself hurried to leave, because the LORD had struck him.” (2 Chronicles 26:20) King Uzziah entered the temple to burn incense—a privilege reserved for priests (Numbers 18:7). God immediately judged his presumption. Leprosy marked his body, but pride had already diseased his heart. Tracing the Roots of Pride •Triumphs that inflate ego: Uzziah’s military victories (26:6-8) and engineering feats (26:15) “made him strong.” •Strength without humility: “But when he became strong, he grew proud to his destruction” (26:16). •Disregard for boundaries: He knew the Law, yet felt entitled to overstep it. Warning Signs to Watch For •Self-congratulation: “My hand has done this” (see Deuteronomy 8:17). •Impatience with accountability: resenting corrective voices like Azariah’s. •Neglect of private worship: public success replacing personal devotion. •Comparison with others: measuring worth by position, gifts, or influence. Practical Ways to Guard Our Hearts 1.Remember who gives the victory ‑ 1 Corinthians 4:7—“What do you have that you did not receive?” ‑ Daily thanksgiving keeps credit where it belongs. 2.Submit to Scriptural boundaries ‑ Psalm 119:11—store the Word to resist sin. ‑ Let clear commands overrule flattering feelings. 3.Welcome faithful wounds ‑ Proverbs 27:6—“Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” ‑ Invite trusted believers to speak plainly when pride shows. 4.Practice hidden service ‑ Matthew 6:3—serve where only the Father sees, crushing the craving for applause. 5.Embrace weakness as gift ‑ 2 Corinthians 12:9—power perfected in weakness. ‑ Deliberately remember limitations; rejoice that Christ is sufficient. 6.Cultivate Christ-like mind-set ‑ Philippians 2:3-5—esteem others as more important. ‑ Actively seek ways to honor, not outshine, fellow believers. Continual Dependence on Grace “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). The promise is ongoing grace, not a one-time inoculation. Humility is kept fresh by: •Daily confession—naming subtle self-exaltations. •Constant prayer—like the tax collector: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). •Cross-centered focus—“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). A Closing Encouragement Uzziah’s story warns, yet Scripture also holds out hope. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). Choosing humility today spares future discipline and keeps us enjoying the full favor of the Lord who delights to lift the lowly. |
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