Who Do You Worship?
“The ones who do the planting or watering aren’t important, but God is
important because he is the one who makes the seed grow.”
1 Cor. 3:7
When I see a football player do his “touchdown dance”, pound his chest, and point to himself after a touchdown, I have to 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 the 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.” Gal. 6:4 (NLT). While God desires 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 accomplishing tasks.
Most of all, we need to give the glory to God. He 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.” Rom. 15:18-19 (NLT).
The Psalmist reminds us that,”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 really just self-worship.
The next time we see someone taking all the credit, let 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 of 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!
The Power of Truth:
- “May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen.” Eph. 3:21
- “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matt. 23:12
Suggestion for Prayer:
Humble yourself and praise God for the things He has done in your life.