How can we avoid pride when God blesses us abundantly, as in Ezekiel 16:13? Setting the Scene: Rich Blessings, Real Danger “Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. And you grew very beautiful and rose to be queen.” (Ezekiel 16:13) Israel’s lavish adornment came straight from God’s hand, yet in the very next verses her heart swelled with pride. The passage warns that abundance can either deepen devotion or inflate self-importance. Recognizing the Source of Every Blessing • Psalm 24:1—“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” • James 1:17—“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” • Deuteronomy 8:10-14—Moses urges Israel to bless the LORD “lest your heart become proud.” When we label each success, promotion, or windfall as “from the LORD,” pride loses its footing. Signs That Pride Is Creeping In • Self-congratulation replaces thanksgiving (Luke 12:16-21). • Generosity shrinks while lifestyle swells (1 Timothy 6:17-19). • Prayer life cools—needs feel unnecessary when cupboards are full (Hosea 13:6). • Correction stings more than it teaches (Proverbs 15:32). Practices That Guard the Heart • Active Gratitude – Begin and end each day naming specific blessings back to God (Psalm 103:2). • Open-Handed Giving – Share resources so others praise God, not us (2 Corinthians 9:11-12). • Regular Worship and Communion – Gathering at the Lord’s Table reminds us we are receivers, not achievers (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Scripture Saturation – Daily reading humbles: “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Accountable Community – Invite trusted believers to speak up when they sense a boastful spirit (Galatians 6:1-2). Redeeming Abundance for God’s Glory • Use influence to elevate Christ, not self (Matthew 5:16). • Invest wealth in eternal fruit—missions, mercy, discipleship (Luke 16:9). • Remember Hezekiah: pride after blessing led to discipline, but humble repentance restored him (2 Chronicles 32:25-26). A Heart Posture That Lasts Stay small in your own eyes, large in gratitude, and quick to redirect every compliment heavenward. Then abundance becomes a platform for praise instead of a pedestal for pride. |
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