DANIEL 5:22-23 : “But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you end your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them: And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.”
Popular culture has lost its grasp on humility. When asked about the sin of pride, rap singer Queen Latifah replied, “Pride is a sin? I wasn’t aware of that.” Actress Kirstie Alley added, “I don’t think pride is a sin …. I think some idiot made that up.”
And rapper lce-T responded, “Pride is mandatory. That’s one of the problems of the inner city. Kids don’t have enough pride.” Somewhere along the line these people have neglected reading the Bible. God clearly says that pride is sin.
Belshazzar, the last of Nebuchadnezzar’s line to rule Babylon, also fell victim to pride. He surely had heard of his grandfather’s experiences, but apparently they made no impression on him, Even though the Medes and the Persians were advancing on his kingdom, he was so confident of his defenses that he spent the evening in revelry rather than preparation.
In his arrogance, he gave praise to the gods of materialism and failed to, glorify the one true God, who could have saved his life. In thinking that had it all, he lost everything.
Much of modem society is headed in the same direction. People take great pride in the advancements they’ve made in medicine, communications and other forms of technology. Yet they’ve failed to acknowledge that their achievements have been only by the grace of God.
The Bible’s advice is still the best. Humble yourself before God. Lift up your accomplishments and confess that they are all gifts from the Lord, who is the giver of all good things (James 1.1: 7). Give thanks to Him who holds your very breath in His hands. Set aside pride and grab hold of God.
ALL WE HAVE WE OWE TO GOD.