How does Ezekiel 31:10 encourage us to seek God's perspective on success? The Setting: A Towering Tree Brought Low - Ezekiel 31 paints Assyria (and by prophetic extension Egypt) as a mighty cedar, soaring above every other tree in Eden. - Its branches provided shade, its roots drew from abundant waters, and every bird nested in its limbs—outward signs of stunning success. - Then comes the verdict of God, recorded in Ezekiel 31:10: “Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because it towered high and set its top among the clouds, and it grew proud on account of its height.’” - The chapter goes on to describe the tree’s sudden fall, illustrating that unchecked pride turns success into judgment. A Sobering Definition of Success - Human perspective: height, influence, visibility, resources, applause. - God’s perspective: humility, gratitude, obedience, stewardship, dependence. - Ezekiel 31:10 reminds that when success fuels self-exaltation, it becomes the very reason for divine opposition. God’s Perspective Highlighted in Ezekiel 31:10 - Success is permitted by God; it is never self-generated. - Pride distorts vision, causing people to forget their Source. - Elevation without humility invites discipline rather than commendation. - The Lord actively observes the motives behind the achievements. How This Shapes Our Pursuit of Success Today - Celebrate victories with humility, acknowledging God as the Giver. - Measure fruitfulness by faithfulness, not by size or visibility. - Guard the heart; the higher one climbs, the easier pride can form. - Keep success tethered to worship, thanksgiving, and service. Putting It into Practice - Start each day in Scripture, letting God define worth and priorities. - Invite the Spirit to search motives before pursuing new goals. - Seek counsel and accountability that redirects praise to the Lord. - Practice generosity; giving breaks the grip of self-glory. - Rehearse dependence: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Supporting Scriptures - 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 5:6 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.” - Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to walk humbly with your God.” - Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” |
    |