The danger of the roof
23 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. 24 But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:23-24Bible Reading
Daniel 4:28-33
28 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?” 31 While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you. 32 You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.” 33 At that moment the sentence against Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from mankind. He ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.
The roof of the palace was a beautiful place. It had a great view. It was high up. But it was also the most dangerous place in Babylon. Why? Because it was where the king felt self-sufficient. He looked over everything and thought he was the source of it all. He said, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?” Success can take you to the roof. You get the scholarship. You get the internship. You are at the top of the class. The view is nice. But be careful. The air is thin up there. It is easy to get dizzy with pride. The moment you think, “I built this,” you are in the danger zone. The moment you think you no longer need God, you are standing on the edge. Come down from the roof. Get on your knees. Acknowledging God is the safety net that keeps you from falling. The view is better from your knees because you can see the One who made the stars.
Action Point
Go for a walk today. Look at the buildings or nature. Say out loud, “God, You made all of this. You are greater than any test score.”
Prayer Point
Father, whenever I become high-minded, pull me back. Remind me that I am dust without Your breath.
Reflection Point
Does my success make me feel independent of God or more dependent on Him?