How can we apply the lesson of humility from Ezekiel 31:14 today? “This is so that no other well-watered trees may exalt themselves in height or set their tops among the clouds, and no other mighty trees may stand proudly above the waters. For all of them are consigned to death, to the depths of the earth, among the children of men, with those who descend to the Pit.” What the verse teaches • God Himself cut down proud Assyria, pictured as a cedar that tried to outgrow every other tree. • The lesson is universal: any nation, leader, church, or individual that exalts itself will face certain collapse. • The grave (“the Pit”) is the leveling place where arrogant greatness meets humble mortality. Timeless warnings against pride • Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • 1 Peter 5:5-6 – “Clothe yourselves with humility…Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” How to apply humility today 1. Recognize God as the true source of every success • Deuteronomy 8:17-18 reminds us that even our ability to earn wealth comes from Him. • Habit: when complimented, give verbal credit to the Lord before taking any personal praise. 2. Stay rooted in Scripture and prayer rather than reputation • Daily Bible intake keeps the heart grounded (Psalm 119:9-11). • Private prayer disciplines pride by placing us under God’s gaze alone (Matthew 6:6). 3. Serve quietly and let God notice • Jesus washed feet (John 13:14-15); choose hidden acts of service that may never be acknowledged. • Practical ideas: anonymous gift cards, secret yard work for an elderly neighbor, behind-the-scenes tech help at church. 4. Celebrate others’ victories • Romans 12:15 – “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” • Deliberately speak words that highlight another’s contribution before mentioning your own. 5. Keep the brevity of life in view • Isaiah 40:6-8 paints human glory as grass that withers. • Visit cemeteries, write a brief life-purpose statement, or set calendar reminders of loved ones’ home-goings to maintain perspective. 6. Submit to godly accountability • Invite a mature believer to ask hard questions about motives and attitude. • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 shows two are better than one because they lift each other when one falls. Practical self-check list □ Do my social media posts spotlight Christ or myself? □ When I’m corrected, is my first response defensiveness or gratitude? □ Am I comfortable doing ministry tasks that receive zero platform recognition? □ Do I pray for competitors to succeed? □ Can I honestly say, “Not to us, Lord, but to Your name give glory” (Psalm 115:1)? Encouragement to stay low so God can lift up Philippians 2:5-8 directs us to the ultimate model: Christ “emptied Himself” and took “the form of a servant.” Because He went low, the Father exalted Him high (vv. 9-11). Following that pattern secures God’s favor now and His exaltation in His timing. Remaining small before Him ensures we will never crash like the towering cedar of Ezekiel 31. |
    |