In the pride of your heart you say, “I am a god.” Ezekiel 28:2
In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis recommended asking ourselves some questions to find out if we’re proud: “How much do I dislike it when other people snub me, or refuse to take any notice of me, . . . or patronize me, or show off?” Lewis saw pride as a vice of the “utmost evil” and the chief cause of misery in homes and nations. He called it a “spiritual cancer” that eats up the very possibility of love, contentment, and even common sense.
Pride has been a problem throughout the ages. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God warned the leader of the powerful coastal city of Tyre against his pride. He said the king’s pride would result in his downfall: “Because you think you are . . . as wise as a god, I am going to bring foreigners against you” (Ezekiel 28:6–7). Then he would know he wasn’t a god, but a mortal (v. 9).
In contrast to pride is humility, which Lewis named as a virtue we receive through knowing God. Lewis said that as we get in touch with Him, we become “delightedly humble,” feeling relieved to be rid of the silly nonsense about our own dignity that previously made us restless and unhappy.
The more we worship God, the more we’ll know Him and the more we can humble ourselves before Him. May we be those who love and serve with joy and humility.
How did you answer Lewis’ questions about whether or not you’re proud? Did that surprise you? Why or why not?
Almighty God, help me to revel in my identity as one You created, knowing You are great and mighty and yet You love me.
INSIGHT
Ezekiel 26–28 contains four oracles or prophecies proclaiming judgment against Tyre. This ancient Phoenician city was known for its sea trade and idolatry. It was “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty” (28:12), but “through [its] widespread trade [it was] filled with violence” (v. 16). Due to descriptions such as “anointed as a guardian cherub” (v. 14), “blameless in your ways . . . till wickedness was found in you” (v. 15), and “your heart became proud . . . so I threw you to the earth” (v. 17), some scholars believe this passage also refers to Satan. Verse 19 concludes that the wicked city of Tyre would “come to a horrible end.”