October 22, 2009 - Acts 10:26

“But Peter made him get up. ‘Stand up,’ he said, ‘I am only a man myself.’” Acts 10:26.
Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius, having been escorted there by Cornelius’ servants. As he was coming into the house Cornelius knelt before Peter, as if Peter were a Caesar, a god of some kind, or at least a very special person. Peter realized that he was not worthy of anyone’s worship and commanded him to get up; after all, he was only a man, just like Cornelius. Peter apparently was not interested in lifting himself up or making himself of any importance. He was a man who was seeking to be a whole-hearted servant of Jesus.
Have you ever noticed someone that was an attention-seeker? Or possibly someone who did not mind being placed on a pedestal of importance or notoriety? I have witnessed pastors or leaders who really like, even crave, the attention, and have acted as though they were special and deserved notice or special treatment. When someone has this kind of heart attitude, it is difficult to smell the wonderful fragrance of Christ.
Let me make this very clear. One of the things that I do not like about myself is my own need for attention. If I were in Peter’s situation, I am not so sure how I would have responded. I might have enjoyed the notice and special attention. But my hope is that I would have done as Peter did.
Questions to consider: Do you seek, or, maybe even, crave, attention from others? If so, how do you act that out in your life? What does it make you feel like to see others who are acting in ways that draw attention to themselves?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire for less of me and more of You to show. Please help me to “deny myself, take up my cross, and follow” You. Help me to respond as Peter did, in order to draw attention to You, and You alone. Amen.