Scripture - Acts 10:24-26 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”

Observation - Peter was certainly well known in the Jewish community and the Christian community. His reputation was second only to Jesus because of the things He experienced. Cornelius, being such a God-fearing man, and having experienced a legitimate vision from God that was fullfilled in his presence upon Peter's arrival, responded as only an overwhelmed person would - he fell to the ground in front of Peter, almost in worship. After all, he really didn't know the rules.

Peter's had every opportunity to milk the response of this new disciple. He could have demanded special treatment. He could have exacted a price for services. He could have manipulated this man because of his means and willingness to use them to serve people. He had a great opportunity to create a social-spiritual chasm between himself and Cornelius that put them on two different spiritual planes.

And yet, Peter did none of that. He taught the man that his response was improper. "I am but a man" went farther that communicating he was not a god. It silently proclaimed, "I am not a rock star. I am not a hero. I am a normal personal just like you. I require no special treatment. You and me are similar. I want to share the wealth with you!"

Application - Humility in the midst of success is such an attractive quality. Granted, very few of us will ever experience the level of noteriety and achievement of Peter, but far lower levels of success have corrupted men far more easily!

I think it important as a leader to guard against people placing me on any type of pedistal. It's not just an issue of humility. It's more an encouragement for them that my success (whatever that may be) is easily achieved by them as well. I frequently mention in my preaching that God has only really told me what to do a few times in my walk with him. I frequently mention that I struggle to hear His voice, I struggle to know what to do, I struggle as I take steps forward because I'm not sure if they are right. I struggle with my screaming emotions that attempt to make me feel unsaved, unloved, and insecure, when facts tell me that I am saved, loved and well endowed wit the tools to get the job done!

As Peter told Cornelius to get up, he was leveling the playing ground, bringing confidence - "You too are a man of God. You too have heard his voice. You too are wanting to impact the world. You too are someone with destiny. Stand here with me!" People need that invitation, and they need the curtain that hides the Wizard of Oz pulled back so they can strive for an achievable status in Christ.

Prayer - Lord, help me to be successful. Lord, help me to bring people into that same success. Help me to portray a realistic reflection of you!