Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have increased in height, and it set its top among thick boughs, and its heart was lifted up in its height, there I will deliver it into the hand of the mighty one of the nations, and he shall surely deal with it; I have driven it out for its wickedness. Ezekiel 31:10-11
Several nations around the world have risen to great heights of power and status. They appear to be large enough and powerful enough to be in complete control. At that size, many feel that they can do whatever they desire with no consequences.
Ezekiel records God speaking against Egypt. God describes Egypt as a tree that grew to great heights and was filled with pride and wickedness. He then says that He will deliver the nation into the hands of another power to drive it out.
People and nations that grow large, tend to feel that they are above all laws. God is ignored and pride grows. There comes a point where it appears that they are strong enough that no one can stop them nor tell them what they can or cannot do. As a result, sin rises in the hearts of the people.
Having pride is the idea of placing self on the throne as God. It is all about self being in complete control over everything and anything in life. Pride is what drove Satan out of heaven and caused Adam and Eve to sin against God, bringing God’s judgement upon the earth.
This is something that can creep into the hearts of believers in the church. Some can believe that they are better than others and allow sin into their lives little by little. In the end it will bring about God’s judgement.
Instead of allowing pride to creep in, believers need to be focused on allowing God to be in complete control.
You will have times in which you feel you are in complete control. Pride can begin to slip into your heart, pushing God off the throne. Know that it is God who has given you all that you have. Know that it is God who gave you all the abilities you have. It is not about you or what you can do, but about God. Do not allow pride to rise in your heart which will bring about the judgement of God.
Keep God on the throne of your heart so that He will not have to punish you.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will allow God to be in control of your whole life; that God will reveal any pride in your heart and help you remove it; and that God will be able to use you to do great things for His kingdom.
Photo by Caleb Jack on Unsplash
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