Consider this: "But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.”" (Acts 8:9-10 NKJV)
- This man had a self-perceived greatness. Although he possessed a willingness to place his faith in the gospel, his loss of “greatness” pushed him away from the greatness of God; tempting him to once-again place himself in a position of self-prominence (Acts 8:18-23).
Now consider this: "So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship," (Acts 8:27 NKJV)
- This man had a received greatness. He used his “greatness” to bring himself closer to God in faith; through his humility he gave heed and acknowledged his lack of understanding which to led to a position of greatness in God’s kingdom (Acts 8:34-39).
How do we allow a self-perceived or a received greatness in our life affect our faith in God?
“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mathew 23:11-12 NKJV)
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