Worship Him
But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” Acts 10:26
Personally, I have never had anyone run up to me and bow down to worship. I am thankful because that would be very awkward and uncomfortable. Maybe you have? I do know it doesn’t happen everyday for most people. I think it would be safe to say that most Christians would be extremely surprised and taken aback if it ever happened. But there are some people who might like that kind of attention?
I have heard people that go so far the other way, when given a compliment saying, I had nothing at all to do with it, it was all God. Once I heard a couple once say they had nothing to do with the beautiful baby they were holding after bringing that small life into the world. Well, they actually did have something to do with it. If they had not done their part, no baby would be there to admire.
The truth is that God works with us to get things accomplished in this world. Big and small, He leads and graces us to get His plan done. It is actually a very humbling experience to be part of His great works. So, when someone tells you what a great job you have done, it is okay to say thank you. Or you can say something like: I had a lot of help. (That help came from God but can also be from others too.) It is not pride if you acknowledge that you had a part in the accomplishment. The problem only comes when you think that you did it all by yourself and you are deserving of glory and honor because you are so special.
In today’s reading, Cornelius bowed down to Peter when he arrived at his home. Peter told Cornelius straight up that he was a person just like Cornelius. This happened a lot to the apostles in the New Testament. Maybe it was because of the customs of the Roman society that that were living in, but they were all quick to say: Don’t worship me, I am just a person like you.
The truth is we all can do great things if we follow and work in partnership with God’s Spirit and we always give God the glory by acknowledging our part and His. In that way, others can know that they can also do the great things God has planned for them as they get their assignment from Him each day.
Today I want to encourage you to first of all, don’t get caught in the trap of pride when others give you praise. Admit that you played a part, but that your Father and others made it all come together. Rarely does God give us great victories when we are alone. He brings us together with others to get our missions done. By tuning in and putting your hand to all that He leads to, you will a part of His plan to work all things and people together for the good of those who love Him. That is when it will be so easy to give Him the glory for your success.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 10:24-33
24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.
25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.”
27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together.
28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”
30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’
33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”
The Daily Dose 