How can we avoid the pitfalls of pride seen in Tyre's prosperity? A snapshot of Tyre’s glory • “The ships of Tarshish sailed for you with your merchandise. So you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea.” (Ezekiel 27:25) • Tyre’s harbors brimmed with exotic goods, silver, ivory, cedar, purple dye. • From every outward measure—wealth, reach, reputation—Tyre looked unshakable, yet chapter 28 reveals the city’s heart: “Your heart is proud… you have said, ‘I am a god’” (v. 2). • The Lord records this history to warn us: affluence can swell into arrogance, and arrogance invites judgment. Remember who supplies every blessing • Deuteronomy 8:17-18—“You may say in your heart, ‘My power… has gained me this wealth,’ but… it is He who gives you the power to gain wealth.” • James 1:17—“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” Practical safeguards: – Begin projects, promotions, purchases with a simple confession: “Lord, this comes from You.” – Keep a visible reminder (journal, plaque, phone wallpaper) that credits God as provider. Reject self-exaltation the moment it appears • Proverbs 16:18—“Pride goes before destruction.” • 1 Corinthians 4:7—“What do you have that you did not receive?” • Prompt responses when pride pops up: – Speak truth aloud: “All I have is stewardship.” – Celebrate others’ successes to break inward fixation. – Invite a trusted believer to speak correction when arrogance shows. Redirect resources toward eternal purposes • 1 Timothy 6:17-19—command the wealthy “to be rich in good deeds… storing up treasure for the coming age.” • 2 Corinthians 9:11—“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way.” Ways forward: – Tithe first, not last. – Set a “generosity cap”: decide a living standard, give the excess. – View budgets as mission statements, not self-indulgence ledgers. Keep an eternal horizon in view • Matthew 6:19-21—“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Luke 12:16-21—the rich fool stored grain but faced eternity unprepared. Heart checks: – Regularly ponder Revelation 21-22; the New Jerusalem outshines any earthly port. – Schedule time to serve the poor; proximity to need shrinks worldly glitter. Practice daily humility disciplines • Philippians 2:3-5—“In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Habits that ground the soul: – Morning Scripture before media; let heaven, not headlines, set perspective. – Quiet confession each night: identify and surrender prideful moments. – Celebrate communion often; the cross levels every status ladder. Living opposite of Tyre Tyre flaunted abundance and sank beneath the waves. We keep afloat by: • Acknowledging God as source. • Smothering pride at inception. • Channeling wealth into kingdom work. • Fixing eyes on eternity. • Training hearts in humble habits. Anchor each blessing to its Giver, and the storm that toppled Tyre will never capsize you. |
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