How should believers respond to God's gifts as described in Ezekiel 16:12?

God’s Lavish Adornment

“ ‘I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head.’ ” (Ezekiel 16:12)

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Recognizing the Source

• Every adornment comes straight from the Lord’s hand.

• James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”

• Acknowledge openly and immediately: “This is the Lord’s doing” (Psalm 118:23).

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Responding with Gratitude

• Verbal thanksgiving—tell Him out loud (Psalm 116:12).

• Visible thanksgiving—testify to others how He has beautified your life (Psalm 105:1).

• Continual thanksgiving—keep gratitude fresh; yesterday’s thanks is not enough for today (Colossians 3:17).

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Responding with Humility

• Remember who you were before He found you (Ezekiel 16:4-6).

• Guard against pride: “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

• Bow the crowned head before the King who placed the crown there.

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Responding with Stewardship

• Gifts are not ornaments for vanity but tools for ministry (1 Peter 4:10).

• Use every “ring, earring, and crown” to serve the body of Christ.

• Manage resources so they advance His kingdom, not self-promotion.

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Responding with Worship

• Adornment should lead to adoration.

• Lay the crown back at His feet (Revelation 4:10-11).

• Worship privately and corporately; let the gifts amplify—not replace—devotion.

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Responding with Faithfulness

• Hold the gifts with open hands; the Giver may redirect them (Job 1:21).

• Stay loyal even if adornments are removed—prove love for the Giver, not the gifts.

• Remain obedient; blessing never cancels duty (John 14:15).

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Living Out the Adornment

• Reflect His beauty in conduct, speech, and attitude (Titus 2:10).

• Shine in a dark world so others see His craftsmanship (Matthew 5:16).

• Keep looking forward to the greater crowning at Christ’s return (2 Timothy 4:8).