From the First Lesson for this day, Ezekiel 28:1-10
A little self-confidence goes a long way. I need to be able to think I can do something in order to muster the ambition to do it. If I don't know how to get something accomplished, I can find out how and then give it a try.
There needs to be a check though. How often in my efforts do I use personal pronouns? How often do I confuse my will with God's: "thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee:
It seems to me that Tyre (Tyrus) had gotten caught up in the whole business of self-confidence. In Bible Study about a year ago we were studying Ezekiel and I recall this chapter on Tyre as being tragic. People had put forth great effort to buid a city and culture that influenced the whole Mediterranean. Yet, in their pride they only built destruction.
It wasn't their army that was weak or their civic institutions that were wrong-headed. It wasn't for a lack of industry or effort.
It was for their lack of God.
Efforts that are done without God are doomed to fail. Whenever God is actively or passively left out of my work, I know it. I sense a lack of direction. I experience confusion and mixed messages. I lack direction and I see the results of this: not "destruction" in the same manner that Tyre did, but more like a car spinning its wheels in the mud - a sloppy, futile, worthless mess.
God, please help me battle against pride in my daily living. When I am arrogant, remind me of my limitations. When I am selfish, please bring someone to me whom I may serve. When I forget Thee, please provide a place for me to stop and remember. Thou art truly and wholly God, whom I need and adore. Amen.
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