2 Samuel 18:18  During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to carry on my name.” He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom’s Monument to this day. (NLT)

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Absalom was a monumental failure. 

He was a prince of a prince. He had great hair. He was manipulative, coercive, and destructive. NO was not an option. He wanted it all, even if it meant destroying Dear Old Dad. 

Then one day, his most prominent physical feature left him hanging around when what he needed was to be on the ground running for his life. 

Once he was dead – three daggers in the heart and ten swordsmen’s piercings will do the trick – another monument was formed when those in the kill zone piled up all the stones they could find on top of his lifeless body, hair and all.

What is the best time for someone to set up a monument in his or her own honor? Never.

What is the best time for someone to set up a monument in another person’s honor? After he or she is dead, the record is clear and compelling. 

It’s always better if someone else sings your praises and not you yourself. 

Humility is the path to proper exaltation. 

Arrogance is the path to comeuppance. 

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I will give attention to those who deserve it and step away from every spotlight.

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Our Father, Absalom was a monumental failure. Help us take to heart the lessons of his life so that we may avoid the problems he caused and the death he died. Empower us to live humbly. Teach us how to turn the spotlight on those whose lives are truly exemplary. Amen.