Happy Aloha Friday, September 5th, 2025. There’s an old saying: “Pride comes before the fall.” And it’s true… not many people trip when they’re already lying flat on the ground… Most stumbles happen when we’re standing tall, feeling strong, maybe even a little too confident. The real danger in life isn’t when we’re struggling — that’s when we cling to God. The real danger is when things are going well. That’s when pride sneaks in and whispers, “You’ve got this.” Ezekiel reminds us that even splendor can spoil.
Today's Reading:
Ezekiel 25,26,27,28; Revelation 10
Scripture
“Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.” (Ezekiel 28:17)
Observation
Life’s greatest tests don’t come from failure; the greatest test in life is success. Failure humbles me, but success tempts me to believe I don’t need God anymore. That was Tyre’s downfall. They had beauty, wisdom, and wealth, but instead of using it to glorify God, they used it to glorify themselves. Splendor spoiled their soul.
Application
A few weeks ago my wife and I went to the orchard and picked some of the best peaches and pears I’ve ever tasted. The problem? We picked too many. At first it felt like abundance—baskets full of fruit sitting on the counter. But a few days later, we walked in the house and were greeted not by the smell of fresh peaches but by a cloud of fruit flies. What was meant to be sweet had spoiled.
That’s how blessings can work. Success, provision, talents… all gifts from God. But if I hold onto them the wrong way, if I forget to use them for His glory, they can rot into pride. What starts as a blessing turns into a burden when I make it about me. God’s gifts aren’t meant to sit on the counter of my ego; they’re meant to be enjoyed with gratitude and shared generously—not left to spoil my soul.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for every blessing You’ve placed in my life. Don’t let splendor spoil my heart. Teach me to steward Your gifts with humility, to live in gratitude, and to always remember You are the Giver of every good thing. Amen.
-Chris Kiriakos