"Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, so they went in a group to see him. First they convinced Blastus, the man in charge of the palace, that he should help them. Then they went to Herod and asked him for peace, because their country got its food supplies from the king's country.

On a chosen day Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to the people. “It isn't a man speaking, but a god!” they shouted. At once the angel of the Lord struck Herod down, because he did not give honour to God. He was eaten by worms and died."

(Acts 12.20-23 GNB)

The people had an ulterior motive - they wanted to appease Herod and to get his favours. And Herod welcomed it - he accepted their claim that he was "a god".

God-complex is common amongst people in power and wealthy people. And some doctors. And many in senior corporate management. It is intoxicating and, when provoked, can lead to consuming anger. Many of them, when no longer in charge, get "post-power syndromes".

The only antidote is humility that comes from true understanding that everything good comes from God. And that honour belongs to God.

Note to self: Be humble or be humbled.

Lord,
please give me a pure heart of humility

~

Related:
Difficult but necessary
Be humble
Being humble