What practical steps can we take to remain humble before God? Seeing the Warning in Ezekiel 31:17 “They too had gone down to Sheol with it, to those slain by the sword. Those who were its strong arm lived in its shade among the nations.” (Ezekiel 31:17) Assyria’s towering pride crashed into judgment, and every nation that found its “shade” followed it into the pit. The picture is vivid: pride spreads, judgment spreads, and the only safe place is low before God. Why Humility Cannot Be Optional • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6) • The fall of Assyria (Ezekiel 31) proves God still topples the self-exalting. Practical Steps to Remain Humble Before God • Keep the cross in clear view – “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14) – Begin and end each day recalling what it cost Him to save you. • Invite daily heart inspection – “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” (Psalm 139:23-24) – Ask the Spirit to expose hidden pride before it grows tall. • Immerse yourself in Scripture – “To this one I will look: to the one who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.” (Isaiah 66:2) – Read with the posture of a listener, not an editor. • Practice secret service – “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4) – Do unseen acts of kindness; let anonymity train the heart. • Speak less, listen more – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” (James 1:19) – Listening honors others and reminds us we don’t have all the answers. • Confess sin promptly and specifically – David’s model: “I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:13) – Pride dies when we own our failures without excuse. • Celebrate others’ successes – “In humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) – Thank God aloud for gifts He placed in people around you. • Embrace ordinary tasks – Jesus washed feet (John 13:1-17); no chore is beneath us. – Look for work no one wants and do it gladly. • Stay rooted in grateful prayer – “Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) – Gratitude shifts focus from self-achievement to God’s provision. • Welcome godly correction – “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” (Proverbs 27:5) – Ask trusted believers to point out pride they notice. Practices That Starve Pride • Fast regularly—physical weakness reminds the soul of dependence. • Limit self-promotion on social media—use platforms to magnify Christ, not self. • Memorize humility-shaping passages: Micah 6:8; Luke 18:9-14; Philippians 2:5-11. • Reflect on eternity—Assyria’s cedar fell; only God’s kingdom stands (Revelation 11:15). Promises for the Humble • Greater grace (James 4:6) • Exaltation in God’s timing (1 Peter 5:6) • Nearness to the contrite (Isaiah 57:15) • Security under His favor, not under a falling cedar (Psalm 147:6) Stay low, stay close, and the collapse that overtook Assyria will pass you by. |
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