Christian Living

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Do you honor yourself? Have you ever done something expecting a reward, then discovered that you were not rewarded? Did you work hard, but that promotion on the job went to someone else? Have you ever planned to do great things, only to find your endeavors had little influence on your status? Do you feel others don't honor you as they should?

Many of us look to honor ourselves instead of God. We forget to pray for His guidance before stepping out into the world seeking a promotion, pay raise, a business transaction or relocating to a new area. God is in control, and when we attempt to take the reins and control our lives instead of having faith in Him, we can walk headlong into disaster.

Looking back, it may seem there were many changes in your life that you would rather not have made. Did you consult God before making those changes? God sees our future and knows what is best for us. He wants to honor us, but we must first honor Him.

There was a man named Hamam in the Old Testament who was asked by King Ahasuerus what he thought was a proper way to honor someone who pleased him. Haman was proud and scheming and expected rewards for his deeds, so he assumed King Ahasuerus was going to honor him, not someone else. He thought that in the entire kingdom it was he that should be glorified. He was so self-centered that his eyes did not see the deeds of those around him; he only thought of himself. It didn’t take him long to decide what it was that he wanted to have done to show others how great he was before the king.

Haman told the king it would be a good thing to allow the person of honor to wear the king’s robe, to wear the royal crown and to ride the king’s horse through the streets of the city. This idea pleased the king, and he decided immediately to act on it.

There was another man in the kingdom that Haman hated. Haman had planned to have Mordecai hanged on a gallows he had built. When the king stated that Haman should do all those things that he had suggested to honor Mordecai, Haman was shocked. At the king's orders, Haman dressed Mordecai in the royal robe, placed the royal crown on his head, and brought the king’s own horse for Mordecai to ride.

Then in shame and embarrassment, Haman went throughout the city streets proclaiming the honor of Mordecai. He was so embarrassed that after delivering Mordecai back to the city gate he covered his head and mourned when he returned home. (Esther 6:1-12)

We cause ourselves embarrassment when we rely on our own deeds and resources instead of on God’s. No greater resource can be found than having the love of God in our hearts, and asking his guidance daily in our lives. We should keep our eyes on God, not on self. God will honor the humble and reward those who do His will. There is no honor in boastful thinking.

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