How can we prioritize God's glory over personal achievements, unlike Haman? Setting the Scene: Haman’s Self-Congratulation Esther 5:11: “Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches, the number of his sons, and all the ways that the king had promoted him and given him precedence over the officials and servants of the king.” • Haman’s conversation centers on himself—his wealth, his family line, his promotions. • God’s name is absent; self-glory fills the space. • The scene exposes how quickly a heart can shift from enjoying God’s gifts to worshiping the gifts themselves. The Danger of Self-Exaltation • Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • Like Haman, anyone absorbed in personal acclaim steps onto a path that ends in humiliation (cf. Esther 6:6–10; 7:10). Recognizing God as the Giver of Every Good Thing • James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” • 1 Chronicles 29:12–13 shows David crediting God for “wealth and honor.” • By tracing each achievement back to God’s hand, we replace self-boasting with thanksgiving. Living for God’s Glory, Not Ours • 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” • Matthew 6:1–4 warns against practicing righteousness “to be seen by men.” • Jeremiah 9:23-24 redirects bragging: “Let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me.” Practical Habits That Redirect Attention to the Lord • Begin and end each day recounting God’s mercies rather than personal milestones (Lamentations 3:22-23). • When complimented, verbally acknowledge God’s enabling grace (1 Peter 4:11). • Celebrate others’ successes; resist competing for spotlight (Romans 12:10). • Give anonymously whenever possible, letting God receive the unseen credit (Matthew 6:3-4). • Keep short accounts with pride by confessing it quickly (1 John 1:9). • Memorize and meditate on John 3:30: “He must increase; I must decrease.” The Ultimate Example: Jesus Christ • Philippians 2:5-8 displays the Son of God emptying Himself, “taking the form of a servant.” • Because He sought the Father’s glory above His own comfort, “God exalted Him to the highest place” (Philippians 2:9-11). • Following Christ’s pattern guarantees that any honor we receive ultimately magnifies the One who deserved it first. |
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