Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
Perhaps you have seen the acronym – E.G.O. – Edging God Out. This is a problem for all of us as we all have a tendency to edge God out of our lives or at least confine Him to the circumference of our lives, because we have chosen to sit upon the throne of our lives. We all have a bit of Antonio Salieri in our hearts.
In Amadeus, a film about Mozart’s life, Antonio Salieri, an ambitious eighteenth-century composer offers this prayer up to God:
“Lord, make me a great composer. Let me celebrate Your glory through music and be celebrated myself. Make me famous throughout the world, dear God; make me immortal. After I die, let people speak my name forever with love for what I wrote. In return I will give You my chastity, my industry, my deep humility, my life.”
Antonio Salieri was a very successful composer, but his skill level never rose to the level of Mozart. Frustrated by the success of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who lived a debauched life before the face of God, Salieri turned away from God, believing God had betrayed him. He edged God out of his life. In a memorable scene in the movie, Salieri takes a crucifix from the wall of his room and places it into the fire. Selfish ambition blinded Salieri to the good gifts God had given him to be used for the good of others and God’s glory.
Have you been comparing yourself to anyone lately? Are you frustrated with the level of your accomplishments compared to others? Have you ever prayed a prayer like the one Salieri prayed, bargaining with God for your blessing? By nature, we all have some Salieri in our hearts which is why we must be on guard to keep E.G.O. at bay in our lives. Like Paul, we must learn to be content with our lot in life, even when compared to others, it’s not a lot! If you have Jesus, you have everything you need.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 