I am reading Ezekiel and came across this part in Chapter 28. Ezekiel is being asked by God to speak against the country/region of Tyre. Tyre has clearly been very successful in what it has achieved. If we jump down to verse 4 we can see this displayed.

By your wisdom and understanding you have gained wealth for yourself and amassed gold and silver in your treasuries. Ezekiel 28:4

However before we hear about its success we get a clue that this success hasn’t been great for Tyre.

….In the pride of your heart you say, “I am a god….Ezekiel. 28:2 (part)

And in verse 5 we hear this sentiment confirmed.

By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth…..……and because of your wealth your heart has grown proud. Ezekiel 28:5

I’m less concerned with tyre than I am with our own hearts and our own lives. We all want success in what we do. We want our family to be successful. We want our careers to be successful. We want our churches to be successful. Of course this isn’t a bad thing but we must always be aware of the pitfalls of success.

It can go to our heads really quickly. We are so quick to believe success is down to our skill, our brilliant planning, and therefore we can be slow to recognise God in it all. In our failings we turn to God pretty quickly because we have no where else to turn.

Its vital that we turn to the Father both in our moments of weakness and strength. Developing a practise of thanking and celebrating Him in our best moments will prevent us from becoming a god or becoming proud in our heart.

Yes, we want success but lets not forget where the source of that success lies.