My father was smiling when he returned home from his appointment with my high school classmate who was now an orthopedic surgeon. When he saw me, he chirped, “Son, your classmate. Did you know he’s god?”

“What? Do you mean Jake? You saw him, right?”

“Yeah, Jake. I was sitting in the exam room and he walked in, took one look at me, and said, ‘You need to have both of your knees replaced.’ “

“And that’s bad?”

“He didn’t even examine me. He just told me my diagnosis! He’s God!”

Some people are very good at their profession. They may even evoke an almost supernatural ability to accomplish any task. I knew my former classmate was a very good orthopedic surgeon, which is why I encouraged my father to see him to examine his aging knees. While I suspected he would need a bilateral knee replacement, I thought for sure Jake would be more humble with his attitude. To his credit, he did later examine my father and examined x-rays of his knees, confirming his diagnosis. Nonetheless, his arrogance was on full display. What a contrast to another great saint of the Bible, who also healed people. 

When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am just a man.” 

Acts 10:25-26 (NASB)

Peter was a man who healed many people through the power of the Holy Spirit, through his faith and belief in Jesus Christ. People, like Cornelius, were in awe of his popularity and power, even willing to worship Peter. Peter would have none of this. He always acknowledged where his power and ability originated. His humility was on full display. 

God has bestowed a variety of gifts to all of us. We can use these gifts to glorify Him or to puff up our own reputations. On the day of Judgment, we will all have to answer to Jesus Christ who will judge us on how we used the talents He gave us. At that moment, it will be too late for some who thought of themselves as gods among men. We are all just men. We were not created to seek out our own glory but to seek out a relationship with God our Creator, through faith and belief in Jesus Christ. 

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.