What practical steps can prevent us from seeking glory that belongs to God? Setting the Scene Acts 12 records King Herod Agrippa I soaking up royal flattery. “ ‘This is the voice of a god, not a man!’ ” (Acts 12:22). The next verse shows God’s swift judgment. Herod’s tragedy warns that stealing the Lord’s glory is not a small misstep but a fatal pride. Why God’s Glory Matters • “I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another” (Isaiah 42:8). • “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The Creator alone deserves the applause. Receiving honor is fine; keeping it for ourselves is the problem. Spotting the Temptation • Craving applause, likes, or titles • Taking credit for gifts God placed in us • Subtle self-promotion in conversation or social media • Resisting correction or accountability • Feeling offended when unnoticed Practical Steps to Guard Our Hearts 1. Redirect praise immediately • When complimented, say something that points upward: “I’m grateful God helped me do that.” 2. Cultivate secret service • Matthew 6:3–4 calls for giving “in secret.” Hidden acts starve pride. 3. Practice quick confession • The moment self-congratulation surfaces, confess it (1 John 1:9). 4. Keep visible reminders of God’s ownership • A verse on a phone lock-screen, a sticky note on the desk: “Not to us, O LORD, but to Your name be the glory” (Psalm 115:1). 5. Invite accountability • Give trusted believers permission to call out pride they observe (Proverbs 27:6). 6. Say “Lord willing” about future plans • James 4:15 frames every ambition under God’s sovereignty. 7. Fast periodically • Fasting weakens the flesh and magnifies dependence on God (Matthew 6:16–18). 8. Celebrate others • Commending a colleague or family member shifts focus away from self (Romans 12:10). Daily Habits that Reorient Us • Morning Scripture reading—begin with God’s greatness (Psalm 145). • Journaling gratitude lists—to recall blessings as gifts, not achievements. • Singing doxology aloud—music engrains truth in the heart. • Ending each day with a brief review: “Where did I seek attention? Where did God shine?” Encouraging Reminders from Scripture • John 3:30: “He must increase; I must decrease.” • James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” • 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” • Jeremiah 9:23–24: Boast only “that he understands and knows Me.” Living It Out Herod’s downfall shows pride can bloom in applause-filled moments. By redirecting praise, practicing hidden obedience, and saturating our minds with the Word, we refuse the throne that belongs solely to God and live for the honor of His name alone. |
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