Paying the Price For Pride
I read the story of King Nebuchadnezzar often. God gave him great power and influence but he became lifted up in pride. Let’s listen in on his “self-talk” one morning:
Daniel 4:30 (NLT) As he looked out across the city, he said, ‘Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.’
DO YOU THINK GOD WAS GOING TO LET HIM TAKE THE GLORY FOR ALL THE FAVOR HE HAD GIVEN HIM? No way! God banished him from his kingdom for 7 years of total humiliation… became insane, nails grew out like an animal, and lost all the comforts of his kingdom. NOW, let’s see what he had to say after that:
Daniel 4:37 (NLT) “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”
YUP. I keep this in mind ALL THE TIME. God gives favor, influence, notoriety, talent, skills, etc. for HIS GLORY–not ours! Are you taking credit for any of your gifts, talents, or achievements? If so, just repent now… don’t wait for God to “humble” you. Never forget: “Pride goes before destruction
and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18 NKJV).