September 20th, 2020

In the film, “Amadeus,” we hear Salieri pray: “Lord, make me a great composer. Let me celebrate Your glory through music…Make me famous through the world, dear God, make me immortal. In return I will give You my chastity, my industry, my deep humility, my life.”

Upon first hearing, Salieri’s prayer may sound noble, even sacrificial. But upon closer examination it is blatantly self-serving and spiritually deadly. One of the subtlest temptations we will ever face is the desire to do more for the Lord than He has called us to do. It is rooted in pride. Resist it with all your strength lest it destroy you.

“Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.”

–Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)

Lord Jesus, help us to be willing to serve in obscurity. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.