📖 The Monument of Me
Scripture Focus:
“During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King’s Valley as a monument to himself, for he thought, ‘I have no son to carry on the memory of my name.’ He named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day.”
—2 Samuel 18:18 (NIV)
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✨ Devotional Reflection
Absalom, a son of King David, was known for his striking appearance and charisma. Yet, beneath the surface, he harbored ambition and pride. In 2 Samuel 18:18, we learn that Absalom erected a monument to himself, seeking to preserve his name and legacy.
This act wasn’t merely about remembrance; it was a manifestation of self-exaltation. Instead of trusting God to establish his legacy, Absalom took matters into his own hands, prioritizing his reputation over righteousness.
In our lives, we might not build physical monuments, but we can fall into the trap of seeking recognition, validation, or legacy through our achievements, social media presence, or material possessions. These “modern monuments” can become idols, diverting our focus from glorifying God to glorifying ourselves.
Jesus teaches us in Luke 9:23, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” True discipleship calls for humility, self-denial, and a commitment to God’s purposes over our own.
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📝 Reflection Questions
1. Personal Monuments: Are there areas in your life where you’re seeking personal glory over God’s glory?
2. Legacy Concerns: How do you define success and legacy? Is it aligned with biblical principles?
3. Trust in God: In what ways can you surrender your ambitions to God’s will?
4. Daily Denial: What does “taking up your cross daily” look like in your current season of life?
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🙏 Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve sought to build my own name rather than lifting Yours. Help me to recognize and dismantle any idols of self in my life. Teach me to trust in Your plans and to find contentment in serving You. May my life be a reflection of Your glory, not my own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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📖 Scripture for Further Study
• Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
• Jeremiah 9:23–24 – “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength… but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me.”
• Luke 9:23 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
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