Scripture
“Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.”
Acts 12:23 NIV
Observation
People were supporting Herod for the persecution he was bringing to the primitive church.
Then, after a speech that he gave, they compared Herod with God by shouting: “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.”
Pride probably grew in his heart, and instead of denying it or give the praises to God and not for himself, God struck him down, as Herod accepted an honor that only God deserves.
Application
It is so easy for pride to grow inside our heart when we receive compliments.
Maybe coming from a good things you did.
Maybe because of a certain behavior or values.
Maybe because of a set of skills you have.
Receiving compliments is good, but we need to watch out our heart’s condition after that.
There is few options on attitudes that takes place after receiving a compliment:
(1) we could deny a compliment, even when it is truth.
(2) we could just accept it.
(3) we could accept it with the feeling “that is right! I am good”
(4) we could accept and give the praises to God.
I think true humbleness comes from the #4 option, where we accept the compliments in gratitude, but also knowing that I am undeserved of such grace. Because any of the other options, does not display humbleness (including the #1).
I need to practice to give God the glory and the honor in every compliment, even a small one.
To learn to accept what people sees in me, and the truth they see in their compliments, but also knowing that God knows me better, and that I can only do what I do, be who I am, by God’s grace and mercy.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to display truth humbleness by giving you the honor and the praises of every compliment. Do not let pride grows in my heart. Do not let me receiving things that is not mine. But let me give all back to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
