Among the more than 19,000 original epigrams penned by chemist and
writer Dr. O. A. Battista is this wise observation: “You have reached the
pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments,
or publicity.” Unfortunately, just the opposite often happens when something we
have done is praised and rewarded. A humble heart can quickly become a swelled
head.
Just before Saul was anointed king, he saw himself as a member of an
insignificant family in the smallest tribe of Israel (1 Sam. 9:21). Within a
few years, however, he had erected a monument in his own honor and had become
the supreme authority for his conduct (15:11-12). The prophet Samuel confronted
Saul for his disobedience to God by reminding him, “When you were little in your
own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the Lord
anoint you king over Israel?” (v.17).
Self-importance is the first step down the slippery slope of what we
call success. It begins when we claim credit for God-given victories and modify
His commands to suit our desires.
True success is staying on God’s path by following His Word and giving
Him praise instead of craving it for ourselves.
True humility credits God for every success. (RBC)
