How does Absalom's self-focus contrast with biblical teachings on humility? Setting the Scene: Absalom’s Monument “Now during his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King’s Valley as a monument to himself, for he said, ‘I have no son to preserve my name.’ So he named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day.” (2 Samuel 18:18) Absalom’s Heart Centered on Self • Self-promotion: Absalom builds a monument “to himself,” ensuring his legacy is visible even after death. • Self-reliance: Rather than trusting God for remembrance, he crafts his own name-preservation plan. • Self-importance: The pillar stands as a lifelong testimony that Absalom’s greatest concern was Absalom. Humility God Honors • God remembers the lowly: “Though the LORD is exalted, He looks kindly on the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar.” (Psalm 138:6) • True greatness is service: “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26) • Christ’s pattern: – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) – “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) • God resists pride: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6) • Legacy in God’s hands: “The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.” (Proverbs 10:7) Clear Contrasts Absalom • Builds a memorial to preserve his name. • Pursues power, appearance, approval. • Ends in disgrace, impaled on a tree (2 Samuel 18:9-15). Humble Believer • Lets God establish reputation. • Seeks to honor Christ above self: “He must increase; I must decrease.” (John 3:30) • Receives honor in God’s timing: “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14; Matthew 23:12) Walking It Out Today • Replace self-promotion with God-exaltation. Before speaking, posting, or planning, ask whether Christ or self is being showcased. • Celebrate unseen faithfulness; heaven keeps the records (Matthew 6:3-4). • Practice daily deference—yield the last word, the preferred seat, the credit. • Anchor identity in being known by God, not in monuments, titles, or likes. |
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