There’s a singer that I like whose music is just beautiful.  He is a very handsome man and rather successful.  But in the early part of his career he is known to have boasted that he was the best singer in the world.  And in fact, in his genre, that’s probably true.  He has sold more albums in his niche than any other in modern day times.  But is his beautiful voice his own?

We are not given our good looks or extraordinary talents but rather they come from God.  We just steward what God has given us.  But it’s hard when someone becomes wildly successful to forget that.  And it happens in the church, in nations and in our own hearts.

Hezekiah had followed the LORD whole heartedly and because of it God had blessed him abundantly.  It led to pride sneaking in to swallow his soul.  When his enemy came for a courtesy visit because he was sick, Hezekiah showed him all his wealth, holding back nothing.  There was no restraint, no prudence, just boasting.

Because of it he left Judah vulnerable before here enemies.  God sent Isaiah to proclaim judgment against Hezekiah’s pride.  Hezekiah then repented of his pride and because of it, the LORD said the judgment that would happen against the nation would not happen in his lifetime.  I guess Hezekiah had grown selfish too as it mattered not that judgment was to come in his children’s lifetimes or for others:

“Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good,” for he thought:  Why not, if there will be peace and security during my lifetimes?” (2 Kings 20:19).

Pride is sneaky.  When we think our prosperity and blessing comes from our own hard work, we can easily forget that God is behind it all:

“Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. … But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” (Deut 8:11-14).

So I was thinking to myself, how do we battle this pride?  It is sneaky, deceptive, and being self-deprecating isn’t the answer.  False humility is a problem too.

1) Gratitude to God – When we are continually grateful to the LORD for what He has given us that helps keep our hearts and spirits in a good place.

2) Righteous Community – We need others in our lives to keep us humble and remind us of the truth.  Community can keep us grounded.  Close relationships are harder and harder to come by but holiness can be strengthen in the place of community.

3)  Obeying our Conscience – How often does the LORD prompt us to hold back sometimes and we go forward in foolish things?  Often as we justify it or ask if it’s really the LORD.  It’s important to keep close to Him and walk in the Spirit, listening to how He leads and obeying