Finally, we consider the issue practically. How does our story help us with our problem? It suggests these clear steps.

First, refuse self-exaltation:
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil" (Pr 3:7).
"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him" (Pr 26:12).
"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight" (Isaiah 5:21).
"The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know" (1 Cor. 8:2).

Know that everything which tempts you to self-exaltation is the sin of pride. As Oswald Chambers says, avoid anything which puts you in the position of superiority. You're only building a Tower of Babel, and your plans will be defeated.

Second, see yourself as the valuable child of God: "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ…If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:26, 29). When you know your worth before God, you won't be so motivated to seek it from us.

Bill Glass, the former NFL star and now prison ministry leader, says that the most common denominator behind bars is the absence of a father. We each need to know that our father loves us, that he likes us, and that he wants us. Your Father loves you, likes you, and wants you. Don't measure yourself by the size of the towers you're building, but the God who loves you.

Third, seek to glorify God in all you do. When we seek his glory, we cannot seek our own at the same time. J. I. Packer was right: it is impossible at the same time to convince you that I am a great preacher and that Jesus is a great Savior. Measure your success today by the degree to which other people think more of God because of you. Ask how you can glorify him with your abilities, gifts, resources, and accomplishments. How can you turn someone toward him this week?

Last, value humility as the path to God. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who know their need of God, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs" (Matthew 5:3; cf. NEB). Martin Luther was right: "God creates out of nothing. Therefore, until a man is nothing, God can make nothing out of him." Ask God to help you stay humble before him, surrendered to his will, seeking his glory alone. Every day of his life, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones prayed the same prayer, "Lord, keep me from pride." When last did you make this your prayer?