Can One Be Both Bold And Humble?

Wednesday, June 10

Ezekiel 28:15-17, 19 (ESV)

“You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you.In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and I destroyed you, O guardian cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you.All who know you among the peoples are appalled at you; you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever.”

Devotion

An unchanging way of God is that He opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Today’s verses are about the ancient city of Tyre and also about Satan, once Lucifer. Created to bring God glory, Lucifer was an anointed, attractive, and wise archangel. Pride in these gifts led Lucifer to rebel against God, and he was cast out of heaven. Similarly, the city of Tyre was beautiful and rich due to success in business. Rather than honor God for his blessings, the prince of Tyre became proud and acted like a god. Therefore, God announced He would allow Tyre to be invaded and its leader killed.

Each person is created in the image of God, with particular strengths and abilities. When we grow proud, we distance ourselves from God. When we seek self-promotion rather than worshiping God in spirit and in truth, sin creeps in. Pride infects our image, our work, our walk, and our relationships, and opens the door to demonic influence. In this condition, our future is subject to destruction.

Judgment was determined for Satan and for Tyre. But because of Jesus’ death on the cross in our place, His burial, and His resurrection, salvation is available for those who humble themselves and turn to Him. In Jesus, not only our souls but also the talents God gave us can be restored for honorable use rather than selfish or destructive use. Thus, in Jesus, we can be humble and still be bold and seek success in our activities.

Humility also includes acknowledging God’s ongoing authority and blessings in our lives. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! Praising God with various expressions of joy and gratitude is spiritually healthy. As we do so, the Holy Spirit breathes on us to encourage our hearts, remind us of the goodness of God, and so much more. It is not about the show. It is about lifting up the name of Jesus. He is God, and we are not. Hallelujah!

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I praise Your Name and honor the Name of Jesus above all names. Thank You for the gifts and blessings You have provided. Thank You for my ‘kingdom,’ the areas of influence You have trusted me with. Lord, I surrender all; I lay down my crown, and I pray that Your kingdom come, Your will be done, in and through my life as it is in heaven. Deliver me from the evil one, I pray. Spring up, O well of living water in my soul to praise the Lord! In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10). This week, expand your expressions of humility to include more praise and thankfulness. Invite the Holy Spirit into your home, your family, and your business (Colossians 3:15).

Resources
  • Start today by declaring: “Lord, everything I have today is from You.”