January 29, 2009 - Acts 8:9

“Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great.” Acts 8:9.
Philip, one of the original twelve disciples, traveled to a Samarian city, where he began to tell the good news concerning Jesus. God touched the hearts of the people and many decided to follow Jesus. Also, many miracles were performed and evil spirits were cast out from the people of the city. Simon, a sorcerer (or magician) in this region, had been held in high esteem by all of the local people. Simon paid attention and was amazed when he observed the miracles performed at the hand of Philip. He thought that this was a power that he could use for his own advantage. It seems that one clear difference between Simon the magician and Philip was their view of themselves. Simon thought that he “was someone great,” and he received accolades from all the people, yet Philip pointed everyone to God, with his words and his actions. For one of them, it was all about him, and for the other, it was all about God.
There have been times when I wanted nothing else but for God to get the glory and for Him to be recognized. Yet, I must admit that there have been a number of times that I desired to get that recognition. Whether it was because of some inner need for it or because I desired to manipulate a situation or for some other reason, I can look back at some situations and just cringe at how I wanted myself to be the focus of attention- rather than God. I do hope that I am getting better at pointing to God, but I also know that I am prone to self-deception. It helps for me to remember who I am in God’s eyes and heart – His child, whom He loves. Then, I remember how grateful I am for His life in me. It is all about Him!
Questions to consider: Do you remember times when you talked or acted in ways where your goal was your own recognition? How did that work for you? How has it worked when you have sought to only glorify God?
Prayer: Father, help me to break through my own self-deception to see as You see and to always remember that You are my total source of strength. Help me to stop boasting unless it is about You! Amen.