YOU'RE NOT GOD: DON'T TAKE GOD'S GLORY

DAILY DIVINE WORD

Monday, 10th August 2026

YOU'RE NOT GOD: DON'T TAKE GOD'S GLORY

Text: Genesis 50:15–19 (KJV)

15 And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,

17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.

18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.

19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?»

Meta Description: You're not God. Learn from Joseph's response to his brothers why we must forgive, refuse pride, avoid lording over others, and give God all the glory.

You're Not God

People can be amazed by how good a person can be, and they may want to crown him God. Sometimes, it is because of the abundance of God's gifts in someone's life, and they want to make him their god. Many times, it could be because people want favour, and they will then praise a man as if he were God.

There are many scenarios that can play out that would make men hail you to the point of equating you with God.

But you can stop people from doing this.

Even when you ask them to stop, they may still continue, but you must never allow their praise to make you take the glory that belongs to God.

Jesus, so many times in the Scriptures, warned men against treating Him as though He were the Father. Even though He is equal with God, He came to lay an important example before us: we must never take the glory that belongs to God.

Joseph Refused to Take God's Place

After Joseph's brothers had done so many evil things to him, they became afraid of what the Prime Minister of Egypt could now do to them after the death of their father.

And so, they sent a message asking Joseph to forgive them. They used words of reference, and later they came and bowed before him, pleading for mercy.

One could be tempted to think that it served them right. They deserved everything that happened to them. After all, Joseph had suffered because of them.

One could even say that their bowing before Joseph was the fulfilment of Joseph's dream.

However, Joseph saw beyond their words and actions.

He could have accepted their honour. He could have allowed them to remain afraid of him. He could have used his position to lord it over them.

But Joseph understood something deeper.

He knew he was not God.

And so, immediately, he said:

"And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?"

Don't Take God's Glory

Joseph made it clear that he was not in the position of God.

Whatever his brothers had done, Joseph understood that vengeance belonged to God. He also understood that God had permitted the circumstances of his life to work according to His own purpose.

God was the One who turned Joseph's situation around.

God was the One who took him from the pit to the palace.

God was the One who made him Prime Minister.

God was the One who preserved him through everything he went through.

So why should Joseph take the honour that belonged to God?

He could forgive his brothers because he understood that he was not their God.

Beloved, nothing should make you think that you can stand in the position of God.

Don't take any of His glory.

Always make people understand that it isn't you doing all that you are doing; it is God.

You deserve nothing.

If God did not do it, you would not be able to do a thing.

When people praise you, direct the glory back to God. When people depend on you, remind yourself that you are only an instrument in God's hands. When you have the opportunity to punish someone who has wronged you, remember that you are not God.

Forgive people before they ask for it.

Don't lord over any man.

Don't allow people's praise to make you take God's place.

Learn to direct all glory to God.

You are not God.

Prayer

Father, don't let pride disrupt Your plan for my life. Help me never to claim Your glory. Keep my heart humble, help me to forgive others, and never allow me to take Your place in the life of another person. Let all the glory return to You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Reflection

When men push you to act like God, stop them immediately. God deserves all the glory.

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Categories: Devotional • Christian Living • Humility • Forgiveness • Faith

Tags: You're Not God, Don't Take God's Glory, Humility, Forgiveness, Joseph, Genesis 50, Christian Devotional, Pride, God's Glory, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Ignite Generation