Isaiah 14:1-21

“For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’” (Isaiah 14:13–14, NKJV)

Here the curtain is drawn, and we see the reason for Satan’s downfall. Ezekiel tells us that he was “the anointed cherub” (Ezekiel 28:14). But Isaiah tells us what motivated him: ambition, or as we often say, pride. He wanted to be like the Most High. All of this began in the heart of Lucifer, whose name means “Day star.” But rather than keeping his place as a brilliant light-bearer, he became the prince of darkness. He exalted himself and fell like lightning from heaven (Luke 10:18).

This same poison exists in every son and daughter of Adam. The sinful nature wants to be independent and self-governing. It resents anyone telling it what to do…even God.

“The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” (Romans 8:7, NKJV)

But our sinful nature also wants to be like God. Satan understood this weakness in humans and used it against Eve.

“You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4–5, NKJV)

Satan whispers this same thing in the heart of everyone who wants to go his or her own way rather than submitting to God. But he neglects to mention the spiritual law of heaven.

“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11, NKJV)

What is God’s solution for this disease of conceit?

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NKJV)

Either we are crucified with Christ and die to self, or else we live according to the selfish nature and experience spiritual death.

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13, NKJV)

May God help us to die to the “I” and live for Christ as He lives in us.