Glory Thieves

July 11

(Acts 14:11-18 NIV) ““When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" {12} Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. {13} The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. {14} But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: {15} "Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. {16} In the past, he let all nations go their own way. {17} Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." {18} Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.””

(Acts 12:21-23 NIV) ““On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. {22} They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man." {23} 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.””

At Lystra, Paul and Barnabas spoke God’s healing over a man who had never walked, and the man jumped up and began walking. The crowd went wild and began to declare that “the gods” had come down to Earth. The glory that belongs to God alone was coming to Paul and Barnabas, but they would have none of it. We should be so wise. When your ministry becomes effective some may begin to praise you. Some may even begin to idolize you. It feels good to be treated like a rock star, but don’t go there -- not even in your head. One of the worst things that can happen to Christians is for us to begin to feel like we deserve the accolades and the credit that come our way for being good people. We can begin to soak up the praise, but if we don’t pass it on to the Lord, we become glory thieves, stealing what really belongs to God. Resist the temptation to become little gods. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day