How can we guard against the deception of self-exaltation mentioned in Ezekiel 28:1? The Scene in Ezekiel 28 “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 28:1). The next verse exposes the ruler of Tyre: “Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god…’ ” (v. 2). A mere man convinced himself he sat on a divine throne. That is self-exaltation—pride so blinding that creature imagines he is Creator. Why Self-Exaltation Is So Dangerous • It distorts reality: “You are a man, not a god” (v. 2). • It invites God’s opposition: “God opposes the proud” (James 4:6). • It precedes ruin: “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). • It steals glory that belongs to God alone (Isaiah 42:8). Guardrails for the Heart 1. Remember Who Gives Every Gift • “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Regularly recount answered prayers, providential doors, and surprises of grace. 2. Measure Yourself by the Cross, Not by Comparison • “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). • When achievements tempt you to brag, rehearse what Christ bore for you. 3. Embrace Sober Judgment • “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Romans 12:3). • Invite trusted believers to speak truthfully into your life; listen without defensiveness. 4. Practice Hidden Acts of Service • Jesus washed feet (John 13:14-15). • Look for chores no one claims, ministries with no spotlight, gifts requiring anonymity. 5. Cultivate Thankful Worship • “Enter His gates with thanksgiving” (Psalm 100:4). • Daily gratitude shifts focus from “my greatness” to God’s greatness. 6. Stay Low so God Can Lift You • “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6; cf. James 4:10). • Humility is not self-hatred; it is glad submission under God’s mighty hand. Scriptures Worth Memorizing • Philippians 2:3-11 – the mindset of Christ. • Micah 6:8 – walk humbly with your God. • Luke 18:9-14 – the tax collector who went home justified. • Proverbs 27:2 – “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” Daily Humility Habits • Begin each morning acknowledging, “You are God; I am not.” • End each day recounting at least three evidences of God’s grace, not your merit. • Keep a short sin-account: confess quickly (1 John 1:9). • Read Scripture before scanning headlines or social media. • When complimented, receive with gratitude and quietly pass the glory upward. Living Beneath God’s Throne Tyre’s ruler forgot who occupied the real throne. So did Lucifer (Isaiah 14:13-15). The antidote is continual, conscious submission to the One seated forever: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts” (Isaiah 6:3). By treasuring His supremacy, we guard our hearts from ever dreaming of our own. |
    |