How can we guard against arrogance when corrected by spiritual leaders? Setting the Stage “Have we appointed you the king’s counselor? Stop! Why should you be struck down?” (2 Chronicles 25:16). King Amaziah’s sharp dismissal of God’s prophet shows how arrogance can slam the door on correction—and on God’s blessing. Why Arrogance Is So Dangerous • It blinds us to truth (Proverbs 12:15). • It forfeits wisdom and protection (Proverbs 15:31-32). • It invites God’s opposition (James 4:6). • It grieves those charged with watching over our souls (Hebrews 13:17). Symptoms to Watch For • Quick defensiveness: “Who are you to tell me…?” • Selective hearing: embracing praise, dodging reproof. • Rank pulling: appealing to position, experience, age, or knowledge. • Isolation: distancing ourselves from those who speak hard truths. Practical Ways to Guard Our Hearts 1. Welcome God-appointed voices – “Obey your leaders and submit to them” (Hebrews 13:17). – View correction as God’s provision, not intrusion. 2. Keep Scripture open and final – Let the Word, not feelings, be the authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). – Ask, “Where does the Bible confirm or correct my view?” 3. Ask clarifying questions instead of building defenses – “Help me understand what you see.” – “Where do you believe I’m drifting from obedience?” 4. Pause before responding – A silent, prayerful moment can defuse pride (Proverbs 17:27-28). – Resolve not to speak until you can do so respectfully. 5. Confess and repent quickly – “Listen to counsel and accept discipline” (Proverbs 19:20). – Amaziah could have repented; we still can. 6. Cultivate ongoing accountability – Regular, honest check-ins with trusted believers. – Invite feedback before a crisis forces it. Drawing Strength from Christ’s Example • Jesus “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death” (Philippians 2:8). • If the sinless Savior submitted to the Father’s will, how much more should we submit to godly correction? Promised Rewards of Humility • Grace instead of opposition (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). • Growing wisdom and lasting honor (Proverbs 9:8 b; 15:33). • Leaders who “keep watch over your souls” with joy, not grief—“for that would be of no benefit to you” (Hebrews 13:17). Guarding against arrogance begins the moment we choose to see correction as God’s kindness rather than an affront to our ego. King Amaziah’s story warns; the rest of Scripture invites us to walk the humble, guarded, grace-filled path. |
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