What practical steps can we take to avoid prideful attitudes in our lives? Pride Exposed in 2 Kings 19:23 “By your messengers you have taunted the LORD, saying, ‘With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the far recesses of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars and its choicest cypresses. I have reached its remotest heights, the densest of its forests.’” Symptoms of Pride to Watch For • Overuse of “I” language that ignores God • Boasting in past victories as if self-achieved (cf. Proverbs 16:18) • Looking down on others’ limitations • Pursuing goals without prayer or dependence on God • Taking credit without gratitude Step 1 — Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty Daily • Speak Psalm 24:1 over your life: “The earth is the LORD’s.” • Recount each achievement by adding “God enabled me” (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Meditate on Isaiah 40:15–17 to remember your smallness. Step 2 — Practice Intentional Thankfulness • Keep a gratitude list (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Publicly thank God; thanksgiving redirects glory (Psalm 50:23). • Read Psalm 103 aloud, noting blessings you didn’t earn. Step 3 — Measure Yourself by the Cross, Not by Peers • Reflect on Philippians 2:5-8; Christ “emptied Himself.” • Boast only in the cross (Galatians 6:14). • Ask, “Am I more like Jesus today than yesterday?” Step 4 — Serve Quietly and Anonymously • Choose tasks no one applauds (Matthew 6:3-4). • Let hidden service train your heart to seek God’s approval. • Remember Mark 10:45—Jesus served. Step 5 — Seek Accountability • Invite a trusted believer to flag arrogant words (Proverbs 27:6). • Share successes and failures honestly in a small group. • Submit to correction from spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:17). Step 6 — Cultivate Dependence Through Prayer and Fasting • Fast periodically; physical weakness reminds you of spiritual need (Matthew 4:4). • Use God-exalting prayers like 1 Chronicles 29:11-14. • Pray “Your will be done”—not “Bless what I’m doing.” Step 7 — Keep Eternity in View • Memorize 1 Peter 5:5-6—God opposes the proud. • Remember earthly accolades fade (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). • Store treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Daily Humility Checklist □ Did I credit God for today’s successes? □ Did I thank Him for at least three specific gifts? □ Did I serve someone who cannot repay me? □ Did I invite correction from a fellow believer? □ Did I meditate on Scripture that exalts God and lowers self? Walking these steps turns every achievement into an opportunity to exalt the One who gave it. |
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