### ** Introduction **
Video Ill.: Danger of Pride — Church Fuel
Pride and politics are a dangerous combination. Pride and arrogance have devastating consequences in politics and in real life: isolation, separation, division.
### **Illustration: The Downfall of Richard Nixon**
• "All the President's Men" by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, the two journalists who broke the Watergate story, details the scandal and Nixon's role in the cover-up.
• Nixon’s own memoir, "RN: The Memoirs of Richard Nixon," acknowledges his mistakes, though he stopped short of fully admitting his role in the cover-up.
• Historian Stephen E. Ambrose, in his book "Nixon: The Triumph of a Politician" and "Nixon: Ruin and Recovery,"provides detailed accounts of Nixon’s struggles with pride, power, and paranoia, especially during Watergate.
• John Dean, Nixon’s White House Counsel, wrote extensively about Nixon’s role and the prideful decisions that led to his downfall in "Blind Ambition: The White House Years”.
According to historians, pride was at the heart of Richard Nixon’s undoing, playing a significant role during the “Watergate” scandal.
Nixon was known for his political prowess, having successfully navigated a long and accomplished career. However, behind this prowess was a deep-seated pride and an obsession with power and control. His pride led him to engage in unethical behavior, including covering up the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972.
The scandal that followed began to unravel the lies and deception, revealing that Nixon’s administration had engaged in illegal activities. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that Nixon was involved in the cover-up. His attempts to protect his image and retain his power caused him to make decisions that further entrenched him in deceit and dishonor.
In the end, the weight of his actions became too much to bear, and his presidency collapsed. On August 8, 1974, Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to resign from office. The pride that had driven him to seek political control ultimately led to his disgrace.
### **Key Point:** The higher we build our towers on the shaky foundation of self, the harder they will fall. Nixon’s pursuit of power, driven by pride, not only damaged his own career but also shook the trust of the nation.
It really is true what Solomon said in Proverbs 16:
18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the
oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.
(Proverbs 16, NIV1984)
Pride often starts small—just a thought or action—but it builds into something that becomes unstable, destined to collapse.
As we approach the election season, pride is often on full display in our world, with people clinging to their opinions and platforms. But what if instead of building a tower of pride, we chose to build on the foundation of Jesus, through humility?
This morning, we are continuing our series entitled Faith beyond the Ballot Box. In a world full of political division and uncertainty, one thing remains constant—our faith in Christ.
We began our study, remembering that no matter what happens on November 5, no matter the results of the election, even in times of political tension and division, we can rest assured that God's kingdom is eternal and unshakable. Jesus is Lord over all earthly powers, and our true citizenship lies in His kingdom—a kingdom not defined by political leaders but by humility, servanthood, and ultimate allegiance to God.
We saw last week how our unity is not based on cultural, social, or political similarities but rather on our shared identity in Jesus—sinners saved by grace. As believers, we are called to elevate Jesus above our differences and work together as one body, reflecting God's love and bringing hope to a divided world.
This morning, we’ll explore how **humility is the antidote to pride** and how it brings healing not only in our lives but also in a divided nation. **Humility is essential** to living out our faith beyond the ballot box. In times of political tension, humility shows our trust in God’s plan and leads us toward unity and healing.
### **1. Humility dismantles pride and fosters unity.**
An Example of Humility
Source: Allen Mann, Remington, Virginia. Leadership, Vol. 15, no. 4.
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/1998/february/4212.html
Copied from Preaching Today
In 1994 Thurman Thomas, head bowed with his hands covering his face, sat on the Buffalo bench following his team's fourth straight Super Bowl loss. His three fumbles had helped seal the awful fate of his Buffalo Bills. Suddenly, standing before him was the Dallas Cowboys' star running back, Emmitt Smith. Just named MVP for Super Bowl XXVIII, Smith was carrying his small goddaughter. Smith looked down at her and said, "I want you to meet the greatest running back in the NFL, Mr. Thurman Thomas.”
What a humble moment. Emmitt Smith, certainly a really great football player, humbled himself before Thurman Thomas, another really great football player. Both players, I might add were inducted into both the college and professional halls of fame.
This kind of humility is lacking so much in our country today. Instead of lifting others up, we are all about tearing everyone down. We want to build that tower of pride. We all have to be in the limelight. We have to be on center stage.
But that is not how we are to live. What if we lived much more like Thurman Thomas and Emmitt Smith?
Besides these two football players, we have the ultimate example of this type of humility. Paul writes about this example in Philippians 2. He says:
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than || yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others.
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the very nature God,
did not consider equality with God
something to be grasped,
|| 7 but made Himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled himself
And became obedient to death —
Even death on a cross!
|| 9 Therefore God exalted Him to the
highest
place
And gave Him the name that is above every
name,
10 that at the name of Jesus, every knee
should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the
earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God, the Father. (Philippians 2, NIV1984)
Paul reminds us that Jesus, though in very nature God, didn’t hold onto His position or power. Instead, He humbled Himself and became a servant.
**Key Point**: Just as pride leads to division and collapse, humility brings unity. **In a world full of political pride, Jesus shows us a different way: one that prioritizes others above self.** His humility led to reconciliation and peace.
While we cannot change the attitudes of those in charge of our country, of the candidates running for political office, what we can do is examine our own lives. Where are we allowing pride to creep in? Are we humble or prideful in our opinions, social discussions, and personal relationships?
I pray today that we will follow the example of Jesus, who humbly became like us, so that He could save us from our sin. And, as we discussed last week, may we be united through our humility.
### **2. Humility reflects our trust in God, not in politics or things in this world.**
In James 4, we are reminded that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride leads us to rely on our own strength, while humility leads us to rely on God. Listen to what James wrote, starting at verse 1:
1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something, but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what || you get on your pleasures.
4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit He caused to live in us envy intensely? 6 But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture || says:
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God, and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. || Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4, NIV1984)
Hershiser's Source of Success
Source: Dave Branon and Joe Pellegrino, Safe at Home (Moody, 1992)
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2001/august/13216.html
Copied from Preaching Today
For two months in 1988, Orel Hershiser was perhaps the best pitcher ever. From late August through the World Series, he had an ERA of 0.60 and led the Dodgers to an improbable world championship. A Christian for only a few years, Hershiser spoke of his Savior in interviews and knelt on the mound in thanks after one World Series victory.
But this wasn't the first time Hershiser had thrown so well. While pitching in the minor leagues at San Antonio a few years earlier, he had also fashioned a 0.60 ERA going into June.
"I got caught up in the scouting reports, what I read in the papers, and the phone calls from the Dodgers," he recalls. "I stopped praying. And I stopped listening to God. I started going out with the guys and not really having a focus on what I was supposed to be doing."
By the time he was done with his next three pitching assignments, Hershiser's ERA had ballooned to 8.60.
"It was like God had come down from heaven and hit me over the head and said, 'You dummy. Remember Who got you here. Remember where your abilities come from.'"
**Key Point**: **Humility is a declaration of trust in God**—not in baseball players, teachers, politicians, platforms, or outcomes. Humility shifts our focus from controlling our environment to surrendering to God's sovereign plan.
Orel Hershiser came to that realization after having some rough pitching outings.
Sometimes it takes us a while to remember from where we came. Sometimes that pride and self-centeredness get in the way of remembering what we are supposed to be doing, whom we are supposed to be, and whom we are supposed to be serving.
Humility comes when we surrender our wants and desires to Him. Humility comes when we realize that we do not have the answers, only God can supply the answers.
There was a time when Jesus’ disciples were arguing about who would be the first in the Kingdom. Jesus made two statements: the first will be the last and the last will be the first, and then He said we need to have the faith of a child.
In order to live out those statements in our lives, we have to trust God — putting Him first above all else.
This morning, may we stop and reflect on our lives. Where does our trust lie? Are we putting our hope in people? In political solutions? In the government? Or are we humbling ourselves before God, trusting in His ultimate authority?
### **3. Humility invites healing in a divided nation.**
A Bankrupt Nation
By Sermon Central
From a sermon by Gerald Flury, A Bankrupt Nation, 8/9/2011
Copied from Sermon Central
John MacArthur in his book “Can God Bless America” states that "America wants God's blessing but not God. Our nation has systematically pushed Him out of the national consciousness — rejecting biblical morality, ignoring His Word, and relying on the political and entertainment arenas for moral guidance."
The result is that we have become a sick nation. We are bankrupt — financially, morally, and spiritually. We are divided, with the chasm getting wider and larger.
The sickness in our country is a cancer that is spreading faster and faster, with what appears to be no treatment in sight. It takes many forms. No longer do we care for each other, we look out for ourselves. Pride rules. We isolate. We tear others down. We find more and more ways to hurt each other, instead of helping each other.
Our communities are divided by race, ethnic origin, skin color and money.
We segregate by scientific theories.
We put up barriers and walls to protect ourselves, rather than gathering together to encourage and support.
Watch TV and it seems like everyone has a remedy — politicians, economists, sociologists.
Yet, none of the solutions have worked. The cancer keeps spreading wider and further. We drift further and further from any kind of moral clarity and absolute truth.
But God does have an answer. The prescription for healing is found in His Word.
In 2 Chronicles 7, Solomon is dedicating the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem to God. Years have passed. The work is finally over. And now, it was time to celebrate this great accomplishment.
After the celebrations, God appears to Solomon and had these words to say:
13 When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locus to devour the land or send a plague among My people, 14 if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now My eyes will be open and || My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 7, NIV1984)
While this message is not specifically addressed to America, it is addressed to God’s people. God promises healing when His people humble themselves, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. Humility is a prerequisite for healing in both personal and national contexts.
**Key Point**: **Healing in our nation, in our communities, in our lives, and within the church begins with humility**. Whether it’s in our personal lives, our relationships, or even our nation, we must humble ourselves before God if we hope to see true restoration and unity.
When we humble ourselves before God and each other, we open the door to healing—not just politically, but spiritually and relationally as well.
The ballot box will not cure the cancer in our country.
Humility will.
This morning, in our individual lives, let’s take practical steps to being humble in our political discussions and relationships with one another, our neighbors, our friends, our coworkers.
May we be an example of God’s hope and healing. May we be the agents of healing and unity in our divided world. Jesus said, in Matthew 5,
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, NIV1984)
### ** Conclusion **
Humility
By Glynda Lomax
Excerpted from Sidewalk Flowers, Vol. 1
Copyright © Glynda Lomax
Copied from Sermon Central
None are as empty as those who are full of themselves.” - Benjamin Whichcote
Have you ever met a prideful, arrogant person? Prideful people are always telling you about themselves, their accomplishments, and how smart and wonderful they are. Then they look at you to continue the conversation about them and to affirm their magnificence. Which of us could not name at least one person we know who acts like that?
So what is humility, and what makes humble people different? Humility is the absence of self in all we think, do and say. You know when you encounter humility because you are irresistibly drawn to and awestruck by its presence.
People with the quality of humility are interested in everyone else. In conversations, they want to know about you. They are not looking for ways you can be a blessing to them, they are looking for ways they can bless you. Humility is the very opposite of pride and arrogance. In a disagreement, pride is concerned with who is right, humility is concerned with what is right. Pride and arrogance are all about self, they are always looking down at everyone else. Humility looks up.
One Saturday night in April, Glynda Lomax and a friend stopped in at a Denny’s Restaurant in Dallas for coffee. She writes:
“Our waiter was a tall man with a South African accent. I watched him as he hurried about between tables working hard to serve the many customers in his area that night. There was a refined quality about him as he spoke and I wondered how this gentle, intelligent soul had ended up waiting tables in a family restaurant in Dallas. Asked what kind of work he had done previously in his own country, he replied he had run several large companies and it was clear he had been in executive management. I was awestruck that he could do such menial work with such a wonderful attitude toward even the rude and drunken patrons, which were many that particular evening.
“But,” he replied, “I now have the privilege of serving others.” And with that he bowed his head, laid our check on the table and walked off to assist other diners.
The rest of that evening and for many days after, I thought of that gentleman and pondered the wonder of encountering true humility up close. I felt I had held a rare dazzling jewel worth an entire kingdom for the briefest of moments, and I longed to see more.”
How much nicer the world would be if there were no prideful and arrogant people, if everyone were concerned with others instead of themselves. If all the prideful people suddenly realized the uselessness of talking about oneself.
Someone has once asked, “Why talk about yourself anyway? As soon as you leave the room, there are plenty of people willing to do it for you.”
Abraham Lincoln once said, ”What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.”
This morning, Pride builds a fragile tower destined to collapse, but humility builds a firm foundation in Christ. When we humble ourselves, we experience God’s grace, healing, and unity—both in our lives and in our nation.
We are in trying times in our country today. We get further and further divided, mostly caused by big personalities and lots of pride.
As we are working our way toward Election Day, I pray that we will find a way to choose humility over pride. May we trust in God’s sovereignty and seek unity with others, even when we may not agree or see eye to eye.
May God to grant to us today hearts of humility, for healing in the church and in the nation, and for the strength to follow Jesus’ example of humble service, no matter the outcome of the ballot box on election day.
