How can we protect ourselves from the desire we all have to exalt ourselves?

 

Protecting ourselves from the innate desire to exalt ourselves is a profound spiritual challenge that Christians must continually address. Here are some biblical and practical steps to help cultivate humility and resist self-exaltation.

Recognize and Confess Pride

Pride is a subtle sin that can easily take root. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

Regularly examine your heart and motives. Confess any pride to God and ask for His help in overcoming it.

Embrace Humility

Scriptural Insight: Philippians 2:3-4 teaches, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others."

Actively seek to serve others and place their needs above your own. Practicing humility in daily interactions can help counteract the desire to exalt oneself.

Follow Christ’s Example:

Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how He "emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant," and was "obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Meditate on Christ’s humility and strive to imitate His attitude and actions in your life.

Stay Grounded in Scripture:

The Bible repeatedly warns against pride and emphasizes the importance of humility. James 4:6 says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Regularly read and meditate on Scripture, especially passages that speak to humility and the dangers of pride. Allow God's Word to shape your thoughts and attitudes.

Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Gratitude shifts the focus from ourselves to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness. Regularly practice giving thanks to God for His blessings and provisions, which can help combat pride.

Seek Accountability

Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Surround yourself with fellow believers who can hold you accountable, pray with you, and offer guidance when pride begins to creep in.

Pray for Humility

Scriptural Insight: Humility is a fruit of the Spirit and a grace that God bestows. James 4:10 encourages, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you."

Pray regularly for God to help you remain humble and to reveal any areas of pride in your life.

Remember the Gospel

Scriptural Insight: The gospel reminds us of our need for a Savior and the grace that we receive through Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift, "not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Keep the gospel central in your life. Reflect on the grace and mercy you've received, which leaves no room for self-exaltation.

By consistently applying these principles, Christians can guard against the temptation to exalt themselves and instead cultivate a spirit of humility that honors God.