“And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.” (Acts 12:22,23)
Truth be told, human beings want to be worshipped. They would be adored, gloried in, celebrated. They crave having the power, the wisdom, the beauty to profoundly move and influence others. They become sullen and angry when they are deemed “but men,” weak, ineffectual, inconsequential. They dream of being “on stage” before thousands, bringing the crowds to their feet, hearing thunderous applause. If they can’t move the multitude, they want to move someone, anyone. And when the best they can do is met with yawns they become indignant. They fight with those who refuse to worship them.
Paul and Barnabas fought with people so as NOT to be worshipped. “And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.” (Acts 14:18) They admonished the adoring crowd to turn from such vanity. They pointed them to the worship of the one, true God, who made heaven and earth.
Peter would have none of it at Cornelius’ house. “And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.” (Acts 10:25,26) Men of God know themselves to be unworthy of worship. They recoil from such.
Love the Father. Give Him glory. Deny the pride of life.