The Curse Of Success (Business Devo)

The Growtime Show

Reference:

Acts 12:20-24

The story of King Herod's obsession with fame that led to his gruesome death highlights the danger ambitious people face if they don't have wisdom or humility amid success.

Summary

The episode examines the tragic story of King Herod in Acts 12, who built incredible monuments to his own glory but refused to give praise to God. Though Herod achieved great power, wealth, and the worship of people, Scripture says he did not give glory to God. As a result, he was struck down and "eaten by worms" in a gruesome public death.

This story demonstrates why humans aren't built to receive worship or hold onto fame, but need wisdom and humility even amid success. So many celebrities or public figures have seen early fame or influence ultimately lead to the destruction of their lives. Fame is presented almost as a "curse" or siren song that can lure people in by catering to pride and ego.

For ambitious entrepreneurs and leaders pursuing big goals, you must examine your motivations. Are you seeking position or influence primarily for selfish recognition? Even if you achieve great things, that pride is dangerous without pointing back to God as the true source. As Jesus said, "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"

The episode gives practical tips for gaining wisdom and avoiding the pitfalls of fame:

1. Don't directly pursue fame only for its own sake
2. Develop wisdom early on to handle attention or influence
3. Give glory to God rather than taking all the credit

True humility means embracing your abilities and being confident in your identity, while refusing worship of yourself and acknowledging God as greater. Handling fame wisely comes down to letting praise flow through you rather than getting stuck in pride. As Herod learned the hard way, humans simply aren't built for others' worship - pride goes before a fall.

Top 3 Growth Tips

• Fame Obsession Destroys Lives - Herod is one of endless examples of fame leading to downfall when praise isn't given to God. Be extremely wary of pursuing influence for ego.
• We Aren't Meant for Worship - Scripture teaches that humans don't have capacity to receive glory or worship. Pride is dangerous.
• Let Praise Flow Through You - Any fame/success should be channeled to point to God, not boost self. Give glory away.

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About Ken Ott:

Kenneth Ott is an owner of multiple businesses, entrepreneur, husband, father, and Christian leader. Ken is the co-Founder of Metacake, an Ecommerce Growth Team and Dough Capital. Ken is an author, speaker, and business coach. To connect or learn more, visit:

• KenOtt.com
• Ken on LinkedIn
• Ken on Twitter/X
• Ken on Instagram
• Ken on Facebook
• Metacake - An Ecommerce Growth Team
• Dough - We own amazing DTC brands
  
  

Show Highlights

[00:41] Herod built incredible monuments to his own glory like Herod's Temple, but his pride led to a grisly public death when he failed to give glory to God.

[2:55] So many celebrities crash from early fame that feeds the ego, showing fame can become a curse for the spiritually unprepared.

[4:22]checking your motivations to avoid fame-seeking pride, and warnings against selling your soul just to "gain the whole world"

[7:12] practical tips for gaining wisdom and humility to handle wealth, influence and attention that comes with any career success

[9:04] importance of embracing your identity confidently while refusing worship of yourself

[11:13] Letting praise and fame flow through you to point to God rather than getting stuck in arrogant pride

[12:55] Herod learned the hard way that humans aren't built to receive the worship and glory that belongs to God alone