The Gift Of Self-Indulgene

She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. - Ezekiel 16:49


An upscale London department store launched a new gift card with the slogan, "The Gift of Self-Indulgence." Throughout the store, signs, slogans, and even nametags called attention to the cards. According to one employee, sales of the gift cards during the first weeks of the promotion had been very strong, far exceeding company expectations. Generosity may prompt a person to give a luxurious gift to someone special, but too often we find it easier to purchase what we want for ourselves.

The prophet Ezekiel sheds light on an ancient city whose people suffered God's judgement, in part, because they embraced a self-indulgent lifestyle. "This was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and commited abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit" (Ezek. 16:49-50).

Historically, the Lord has dealt harshly with His people who became arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned (v.49). The antidote to the poison of self-indulgence is the desire to please God and serve others, not ourselves (Phil. 2:4).

Self0indulgence is a gift we don't need. - David C. McCasland


Some are discouraged and weary in heart,
Help somebody today!
Someone the journey to heaven should start,
Help somebody today! - Breck

The more we serve Christ, the less we serve self.

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Ezekiel 16:48-57

As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, Sodom your sister has not done, she nor her daughters, as you have done, you and your daughters. Behold, this way the iniquity of your sister Sodom: pride, fullness of bread, and prosperous ease was in her and in her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

They were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw. Neither has Samaria commited half of your sins; but you have multiplied your abominations more than they, and have justified your sisters by all your abominations which you have done.

You also, bear you your own shame, in that you have given judgement for your sisters; through your sins that you have committed more abominable than they, they are more righteous that you: yes, be also confounded, and bear your shame, in that you have justified your sisters.

I will turn again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, and the captivity of your captives in the midst of them; that you may bear your own shame, and may be ashamed because of all that you have done, in that you are a comfort to them.

Your sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate; and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate; and you and your daughters shall return to your former estate.

For your sister Sodom was not mentioned by your mouth in the day of your pride, before your wickedness was uncovered, as at the time of the reproach of the daughters of Syria, and of all who are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, who do despite to you and round about.

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