“When Peter arrived, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. [26] But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am only a man.” – Acts 10:25-26 (AMP)

Cornelius was a great man, a centurion, devout, kind, prayerful and to a good extent, Godly in his dealings with his household. God, being gracious to him, appeared to him and spoke to him through His angel who instructed him to send for Apostle Peter to preach the way of salvation to him. This he did without any hesitation and anon, Peter heeded his call because the Lord had commanded him to answer the centurion.

When Apostle Peter came, Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian army fell down at his feet to worship him but Peter refused such kind of worship and reminded him that he is also a man. Peter did not allow pride take over his heart and make him accept the worship that is due to God. Only God deserves to be worshipped and whatever fame or gift or anointing He has given to you, it is to the glory and praise of His name alone.

Everyone who becomes a disciple of Christ has the responsibility of preaching the gospel and ministering life to those in darkness and the shackles of death and this can mean that you are highly regarded by people because you have the Word of life in your mouth which you preach and for this reason, you might be turned into the object of worship. The major problem is not even the act, but your response as a disciple of Christ.

There are many preachers of the Gospel who have turned themselves to God’s who receive the worship of men. Man may want to worship you but you just never allow. And never permit them to replace you with God in their hearts. The way many preachers teach their congregation make it impossible for them to call on Jesus when they are in dire need of help. Being a minister of the Gospel is not to make you replace God in the hearts no matter how anointed you are.

Jesus Christ was anointed by God to do great and mighty things, even being the Son of God, yet, He always made sure that the people gave the glory to God the Father and their eyes are opened to see Him at work. This must be your response to human worship. Never forget that you are a man and whatever you are able to do comes from the empowerment of the Lord.

Reflections: When men attempted to worship me, what was my response? What was the secret response in my heart? Did I give the glory to God and did I boast in my abilities?

Confession: I am an Herald and messenger of Good Tidings and my Sender takes all the glory for all He accomplishes through me. I take no glory for myself and I allow no pride in my heart.

Related Scripture: Acts 10:24-48

Bible Reading: Genesis 20