The Trouble With Taking Bows

Alright now, friend, come on over and scoot your chair a little closer to me up here on this here front porch because what we’re gonna be talkin’ about is gonna need to be settlin’ real deep into our hearts like an ol’ hound dog gittin’ himself real situated out in a warm patch of sunshine. I was thinkin’ the other day about King Herod in Acts 12:22‑23, and, friend, that there man strutted around like an ol’ tom turkey gobbler that foolishly thought Thanksgiving was a celebration that was put into place just for him. The crowd hollered that ol’ King Herod sounded like he was a god, and instead of waving ‘em off, he sho’-nuff soaked it up like a biscuit in red-eye gravy. He plum knew he wasn’t divine, but he went ahead and let folks treat him like a real shiny idol anyway. And that’s when the Lord stepped in and reminded him that glory just ain’t no kind of a toy for humans to be playin’ with. Herod learned the hard way that pride will get you chewed up faster than what happens to a forgotten garden hose when a lawnmower hits it.

Jesus warned us about this very thing in John 12:43, saying some folks “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” And if that wasn’t enough, the Lord doubled down in Proverbs 16:18, reminding us that “pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Those verses fit Herod plum just like mud fits an ol’ pig. He wanted applause more than obedience, and that there path always leads to trouble.

But look at Jesus in John 6:14‑15. When the people tried to crown Him king after the miracle of the loaves, He slipped away to the mountain. He discerned their intentions. He knew the difference between God’s glory and man’s flattery. And tucked right inside that moment is the heartbeat of James 4:10, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up.” Jesus lived that truth. Herod ignored it. And the results couldn’t be more different.

We honor leaders, parents, pastors, and employers, but respect is earned, not demanded. And glory? Well, that there belongs to God alone. When people git to braggin’ on you, it’s alright to smile, but hand that glory right back to the Lord before it burns a hole in your pocket. Because when we start enjoying worship that really belongs to God, we’re like an ol’ goat tryin’ to balance on a greased log. It just won’t end well. But when we humble ourselves, God lifts us higher than a hawk riding a warm wind.

Father, thank You for teaching me to keep my heart humble and my spirit steady. Help me recognize when praise drifts my way so I can return it to You without hesitation. Keep me grounded, guided, and grateful. In Jesus’ mighty Name, Amen.

Now friend, before the day grabs you by the collar like a mischievous lil’ ol’ goat that found an open feed sack, let me leave you with this truth that pride sneaks up like an ol’ possum pretendin’ be to nappin’ on the woodpile, but humility is the steady ol’ trusty mule that’ll carry you farther than you ever planned to go. Keep on givin’ God the glory, and He’ll lift you higher than a lil’ happy squirrel perched on the top branch of a really tall pecan tree. And that right there is a promise worth tucking real deep into your heart.

With joy,

Gwen