A Tin God
Scripture Reading — Acts 12:20-24
Because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down. Acts 12:23
What happens inside us when people lavish us with praise for our exceptional qualities or abilities? Do we feel a sense of pride, or do we feel embarrassed and unworthy? Do we give God the glory in all we do, or do we seek glory for ourselves?
Herod paid a heavy price for his pride. God didn't tolerate Herod's acceptance of the crowd's praise. They flattered him by saying he was a god, not a man. So an angel of the Lord struck him down. The "tin god" worshiped by the crowd collapsed in front of them.
Pride shows itself in our lives in many forms. All of us are proud about something in our lives.
We often think we are better than the people around us in one way or another. Though we wouldn't go out and brag about our successes to friends and neighbors, we're happy to receive compliments as if we deserve them. The Bible teaches, however, that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). And God reacts to the proud as a "consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:28-29; see Malachi 3:2; 4:1).
Let each of us examine our own hearts for seeds of pride that may have taken root. Let us have the courage to acknowledge and confess any thoughts, attitudes, words, or actions that rob God of glory in our lives (see Malachi 3:8).
Lord, forgive me for considering myself as better or greater than others in any areas of my life. Help me to give you the glory for your work in and through me. Amen.
About the author — Paul M'pindi
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