Key Verse: "And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:" - Acts 14:15 KJV
Paul and Barnabas arrive in Lystra, where they encounter a man who had never walked. Paul sees that the man has faith and commands him: “Stand upright on thy feet.” Immediately, the man leaps up and walks. The people are astonished. But instead of recognizing the power of the true God, they assume that Paul and Barnabas are gods who have come down in human form. They begin preparing to worship them and even want to offer sacrifices to them.
Paul and Barnabas are horrified.
They tear their clothes and rush into the crowd, pleading with them to stop. Their response reveals something important about their hearts: they have no desire to receive glory that belongs to God.
Paul says, “We also are men of like passions with you.”
He immediately redirects their attention away from himself and toward “the living God.”
This is a valuable lesson for anyone who serves God. When God works through us, people may sometimes notice our abilities, accomplishments, or ministry. But the glory must always go to Him.
The same chapter takes an astonishing turn. After the people had wanted to worship Paul, enemies arrive and persuade the crowd against him. Paul is stoned and left for dead.
Yet he gets up.
And what does he do?
He returns to the city.
Paul's courage is remarkable. He had just experienced both extreme praise and extreme persecution, yet neither changed his purpose. He would not accept glory when people offered it, and he would not abandon his calling when people attacked him.
His focus remained on Christ.
That is a powerful example for us. Praise should not make us proud, and criticism should not make us quit.
Our eyes must remain fixed on the One we serve.
Life Application
- Give God the glory when He works through you
- Don't allow praise to make you spiritually proud
- Don't allow criticism or opposition to make you quit
- Remember that you are an instrument, not the source
- Keep your focus on the living God
Prayer
Lord, help me to remain humble when others praise me and steadfast when others oppose me. Remind me that every good thing comes from You. If You choose to work through my life, help me never to take credit for what belongs to You. Give me the courage of Paul to remain faithful regardless of how others respond. May my life always point people toward You. Amen.
