Acts 24: Five days later the high
priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer
named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the
governor. 2 When
Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed
a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms
in this nation. 3 Everywhere
and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound
gratitude. 4 But
in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to
hear us briefly.
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Bowing down to the
rich and powerful was a lesson in the leadership class I attended. “Feed their
ego” was part of the lesson. After doing this for a number of years, I found
human success, but felt I failed miserably following GOD.
- There were times when I bowed down to celebrities.
- There were times when I worshiped those in power.
- There were times when I overlooked the lack of true relationship with JESUS and flattered people, in hopes of getting my way.
The church leaders
got their story together and went to present it against Paul. The lawyer
started his argument with flattery, showing his alliance with the governor. A
few days prior, they met with people who wanted to secretly murder Paul for
preaching about JESUS.
- GOD wants me to point my life to HIM.
- GOD wants me to be impressed by what HE does every day.
- GOD wants me to give HIM credit for what I give credit to humans.
GOD is not impressed
by fake flattery. HE has no ego, because HE is the Most High. HE is already the
most powerful, all knowing, all seeing being. Any flattery I give to another
human in hopes to get something is practically wasted.
I mean, genuinely complimenting
someone is welcome, but fake flattery to manipulate the circumstance is not.
GOD hears every word I say and will use them for or against me when I stand In
front of HIM someday. I give my praise to JESUS today, who is my Savior.
- Who are you following?
- In the past year, who’s name have you mentioned the most?
- Will you stop flattering the rich and powerful or stop flattering yourself, and point others to the one who has true power, namely JESUS?
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