“In Between Normals”: A 30 Day Devotion on the Book of Acts预览

The Tumour of the Heart

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Hubris: The Tumour of the Heart

There is a virus called hubris that attacks the human heart. Jim Collins defines hubris as "excessive pride that brings down a hero or an outrageous arrogance or entitlement that inflicts suffering upon the innocent."

Talented people are particularly susceptible to this virus. They are confident and competent. Everything they touch turns into gold, and people worship them! However, with success, their hearts also start to metastasize. They genuinely believe that they are different, above everybody else, and deserve people’s worship. So, when their world starts to crumble, they have no idea why it happens.

According to Professor Howard Hendrick of Dallas Seminary, the deadliest "heart condition" of those who fall is this: "I thought it wouldn't happen to me..."

Exceptionalism. Indeed.

Paul’s Integrity Test

In today’s reading, Paul faces the most dangerous challenge yet in his life! It’s not about persecution. Instead, he is being exposed to the hubris virus in a big way!

By any measure, Paul’s work was very successful. Everywhere he went, people gathered in droves to hear him. God was so present with him that he performed miracle after miracle! People thought he was a god and started to worship him, literally! Even the priest of Zeus brought bulls and wreaths to offer sacrifices to him! (14:13) This is the "A Star is Born" moment for Paul! He could have made a name for himself!

So, how did Paul handle this unprecedented success? The Bible says, Paul and Barnabas "tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you." (14: 14-15)

Paul knew who he was. But more importantly, he knew who he was not. Paul’s competence and achievements did not result in hubris. Instead, the more “successful” he became, the more humility and godliness we see in his life! There was no Kingdom of Paul. There was only the Kingdom of God. His heart was in the right place.

Now that Paul has fended off the hubris virus, God was ready to reveal an even bigger assignment to him!

Reflection:

Is there any hint of hubris that God is exposing in your heart today? How can you address it?