Glory-Hoarding Attitude

Acts 12:23 (AMP)

²³And at once an angel of the Lord smote him and cut him down, because he did not give God the glory (the preeminence and kingly majesty that belong to Him as the supreme Ruler); and he was eaten by worms and died.

 

// THOUGHTS:

The same simple principle:  In all things, give back the praise and glory to God.  When Herod, though was given the opportunity to be king, was giving his public speech to the people, he allowed the people’s praise to get to him; he did not give back the praise to God, he immediately died (smote and cut him down). 

A few things remind me of this:

1. The Lord wants and should only get ALL the glory and praise – He is a jealous God. (Exodus 34:14)
2. God is only sharing His authority through earthly authorities – therefore, earthly authorities must be able to acknowledge this truth.
3. Earthly authorities must use their God-given power and accomplishments to bring out and reveal God’s glory.
4. Earthly authorities must not abuse their authority but rather use it to let God known.

 

// BELLE:

As a mother, a youth leader, an eldest daughter/sister, I must be able to use my God-given authority wisely to ONLY bring glory to Whom glory is due – God!  In any accomplishments or successful endeavors, I must use it as an opportunity to share how much God has used me and not take a single credit to what I’ve done (when what I’ve also done is only by the grace of God as well.)  I must not abuse my God-given authority but to always make sure I am faithful to the call and position I am in – always giving glory and credit back to God!

 

// Lord, thank You for your Word that always reminds me and brings me back to what matters most.  I pray that in all I do, You will be glorified.  It is by Your grace that I am here –where I am in my position, whether it be low or high in my circle of influence – I will give back the glory to You ALONE!  You deserve it Oh Lord.  I pray that You remove any inch or hint of selfish glory-hoarding attitude in my life.  If that ever crosses my mind, may you just block it immediately and help me to be intentional and proactive in doing so as well.  In Your name and by the power of the Holy Spirit, amen.