GLORIFY GOD
(Whatever You Do For God, Do It Without Selfish Ambition).
TO THE BIBLE
Philippians 2: 3 NIV
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vanity, but in all humility, esteem others above yourself."
Have you ever read the story of Elijah's face to face with Baal's false prophets in 1Kings 18? Some, after reading the chapter, might say to themselves, "Elijah is trying to put himself forward just so the others will applaud him!" but that's not exactly the reality. He challenged King Ahab to gather all Israel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Astarte to Mount Carmel. A sacrifice was to be prepared and they were to bring down fire from heaven to consume it; the successful prophet would be considered one who serves the true God.
Each group prepared a bull on an altar and called their god to send fire from the heavens. The prophets of Baal called on their god, howled, cut themselves open, but there was no response. When it came to Elijah's turn, he poured water on the sacrifice and called on God who sent fire from heaven. The fire completely consumed the sacrifice.
Read Elijah's words in 1 King 18:36 NASB: “… O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel! Let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things by Your Word." He was following the direction of the Spirit of God. This confrontation was not a demonstration of his selfishness or self-importance; it was only based on the Lord's guidance. This demonstration led many Israelites to turn away from their false gods and follow the true God of Elijah.
Prayer
Dear Father, your Word is the light which guides my thoughts, my plans, my decisions, and which helps me navigate in life, in glory. Through your words I receive the light and direction of my life forever, in Jesus' Name, Amen.
