Kodak

Today’s Text: Ezekiel 28:1-19 (Living Life Daily Devotional)

For much of the 20th century, Kodak was one of the most successful companies in the world. It dominated the photography industry and became synonymous with capturing life’s most precious moments. But the industry was rapidly changing. Instead of embracing digital technology, company leaders were confident their film business would always remain on top. They believed they were too successful to be displaced. Ironically, Kodak itself invented one of the first digital cameras in the 1970s. Unfortunately their overconfidence caused them to recognize the importance of following the changing landscape but it was too late. Kodak had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2012, downsizing and restructuring it’s company. They are still around but it is not once the powerhouse photography business it once was.

Success can be dangerous when it convinces us that we no longer need to change from our old ways. We see this often in organizations where the “old guard” leadership don’t see the need to adapt to the ever-changing industry and culture. Pride blinds us from recognizing serious red-flags or alerts that we must be aware of.

This was the problem with the ruler of Tyre here in Ezekiel 28. He was proud. He was surrounded by his wealth. He started to believe in his own wisdom, influence, and began to believe in his own greatness. Rather than recognizing God as the source of his success, he trusted in himself. His prosperity led to pride, and his pride led to eventual poverty through destruction.

The second half of our text today uses language that seems to point or parrarel the king of Tyre to the original fall of Satan. Whether Ezekiel is directly referring to Satan or using him as an example behind Tyre’s pride, the message is still clear that pride always brings downfall. Satan was created with beauty and splendor yet his heart became lifted up beause of his own beauty. Instead of worshiping God, he began to desire God’s place.

Pride is rarely loud or obvious. More often, it quietly grows in the heart whenever we begin taking credit for what God has graciously given us. We become confident in our abilities, accomplishments, knowledge, ministry, or resources. We slowly and subtly move from “God has blessed me” to “I think I earned this.” Like Kodak the company, we can become so confident in ourselves that our pride is blinding us from reality.

The gospel presents a striking contrast. While Satan sought to exalt himself, Jesus willingly humbled Himself. Though He was equal with God, Christ became obedient to death on a cross, and because of His humility, God highly exalted Him. We see this clearly in Philippians 2:5-11. The path to greatness in God’s kingdom is not exalting self but complete dependence upon Him with humility.