When I see a football player do his “touchdown dance,” pound his chest, and point to himself after a touchdown, I must wonder. It’s as if he’s saying, “I’m the only one who accomplished this task! I’m the greatest!” Wouldn’t it be refreshing for a player to turn around and point to the linemen who placed strategic blocks so he could score, or perhaps running up to each linemen and shaking their hands for a job well done? And it’s not just football players who have this problem. Too often our ego gets in the way of recognizing who gave us the opportunity to succeed.
It’s true that God’s Word tells us to take satisfaction in our efforts: “Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” (Galatians 6:4 NLT) While God wants us to have a good self-image (we’re children of the King!) and to take delight in our successes, we must remember that there are usually others involved in helping us reach our goals and accomplish our tasks.
Most of all, we need to give the glory to God. He is the one who has formed us, given us our gifts and abilities, and opened opportunities for us to succeed. The Apostle Paul stated, “I dare not boast of anything else. I have brought the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I lived before them. I have won them over by the miracles done through me as signs from God –– all by the power of God’s Spirit. In this way, I have fully presented the Good News of Christ all the way from Jerusalem clear over into Illyricum.” (Romans 15:18–19 NLT)
The Psalmist reminds us, “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous to see.” (Psalm 118:23 NLT). When we think about it, every idea we get, every dollar we earn, every relationship made, ultimately comes from our Creator. He can and does prosper us. When we take the credit, we rob Him of His glory.
Giving God the glory is the foundation of worship. It’s saying, “It’s not about me; it’s about you. YOU are mighty and wonderful. YOU deserve the credit.” When we take the credit, it’s just self-worship.
The next time we see someone taking all the credit, may it be an opportunity to do a little self-check. Who gets the credit in my life, for my job, my kids, my home, my marriage? Let’s humbly remember to be thankful that we have a loving God who equipped us with all our gifts, talents, and abilities. Without His abiding love and mercies, we would all still be dust. May God truly get the glory for the things He has done in our lives!
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26–31
Personal Application
Think of a victory or accomplishment you have in your life. Now, consider all who had a hand in helping you accomplish that victory. Take time today to thank them and the Lord for His gracious work in your life.
Jim Grassi, D. Min. and Wendell Morton
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5