Acceptance by God, not by people

The end of Acts chapter 12 finds the people of Tyre and Sidon having some sort of political squabble with Herod Agrippa. To make amends, Herod delivers a speech, which is warmly received (Acts 12:22, NLT),

The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, "It's the voice of a god, not of a man!"

Herod's political skills obviously have resolved the conflict. And what's more, the people are exalting him. Great news!

Unfortunately, Herod must have let the adulation from the people go to his head. In Acts 12:23 (NLT),

Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people's worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.

We are all guilty of seeking the acceptance, or perhaps even the adulation, of other people. And certainly, it's nice to be liked! But that desire for human acceptance inevitably creates a ripe environment for sin. Let us, in all we do, keep God first, and give all credit to God.