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Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Deuteronomy 16:9-19:21
Luke 2:8-35

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Deuteronomy 17:20 (CSB): “Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, he will not turn from this command to the right or the left, and he and his sons will continue reigning many years in Israel.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

The book of Deuteronomy is a compilation of a few addresses Moses gave the people of Israel as they prepared to cross the Jordan and take the Promised Land. It is filled with history, commands, instruction, promises of blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience.

In Deuteronomy 17:14-20, Moses told the people of Israel that they would eventually want a king like all of the surrounding nations when they got into the Promised Land. So, God (through Moses) gave the Israelites instructions when they chose that route.

One of the things we know about humanity and the sin nature is that if and when someone is put into a position of unchecked power, it can become dangerous. Why? History testifies to the atrocities that men and women have done to those under their power.

As an English Catholic historian, politician, and writer named Lord Acton (1834-1902) once said: “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

God knows what mankind is like. He knows what can happen when someone gains the kind of power associated with being a king. That’s why He gave the Israelites some instructions. He knew the king’s heart could swell with pride, and he could then begin to do all sorts of lawless things. So, God gave very clear instructions to ward off the pride that would begin the process.

By the way, the instruction God gave Israel’s kings to ward off pride is good for you and me, too!

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (CSB): “When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write a copy of this instruction for himself on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to observe all the words of this instruction, and to do these statutes. Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, he will not turn from this command to the right or the left, and he and his sons will continue reigning many years in Israel.”

In order to undermine pride’s ability to take root in the human heart, God gave some clear instructions:

  • Handwrite God’s Word (this will take time and more reflection than merely reading it).
  • Write it in front of people perceived to be serious about following the Lord (this would provide intentionality and accountability).
  • Keep the copy of God’s Word handy at all times (easy access throughout the day).
  • Read God’s Word every single day of one’s life to obey it (we cannot do what we do not know).

How would this help?

  • Stay mindful of what God approves of and what He doesn’t.
  • Stay mindful of the blessings of obedience and the curses upon the disobedient.
  • Ultimately, this should keep one mindful of God’s commands and of one’s own inadequacies to fully comply. This knowledge keeps us humble.
  • For the New Testament believer, this pushes us toward the cross, where we find forgiveness, Jesus’ righteousness, and grace to forgive and empower us. This knowledge keeps us grateful to God.

Friend, all of us battle with pride. Simply put, there’s no surefire way of killing that pride in your life apart from regular, reflective, intentional, serious exposure and obedience to God’s Word.

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you see where pride may have taken root in your heart.
  • Ask God’s forgiveness for your pride.
  • Ask God to help you prioritize His Word and obedience to His Word to fight against your propensity toward pride.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into how to overcome pride, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“How can I overcome pride?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)