Today’s Reading: Psalms 113, 114, & 115
Let’s
be completely honest here – humans deserve no credit or praise for the good
that comes from their lives. For some, that statement might seem a bit harsh,
or even hurtful. It may be hard to admit, but it is the cold hard truth. The
Bible repeatedly teaches this truth in one way or another - that human beings (left
to themselves) are not capable of achieving anything of eternal value by their
own efforts. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot transform ourselves. We cannot
guide ourselves. We cannot teach, preach, evangelize, or serve in our own human
efforts or strength. Only God can do those things, and rightfully only God must
get the credit and praise when they happen.
This
Psalm begins with the acknowledgement of two important truths: (1) no glory is
ours; and, (2) all glory is God’s. In the economy of God, there is no shared
glory. There is no self-glory. To the Lord, and Him alone goes all the credit
and praise for all the love and faithfulness He has shown to us. When something
good happens, we must resist any attempt to take the credit. We, like the
Psalmist, must insist that “not unto us, O Lord, not unto us” should glory be
given. Only unto Him.
The
more a person is used by the Lord, the more they need to be aware of the risk
of self-glory. Especially if God uses them in a public setting. The danger of
accepting the accolades of people grows in proportion to the visibility and effectiveness
of our ministry. A wise pastor who had become quite popular and renown in our
community once told me, “I never believe my own press clippings.” This was his
way of saying that the praises of people are misplaced if they are praising him
rather than giving glory to God. When someone attempts to give us the credit,
we must resist the temptation to accept their praise. When praise and glory is
addressed to us, it is so important to “forward the mail” to its rightful
Recipient - the LORD our God.
Once
we know the truth about our own sinfulness, weaknesses, failures, and
inabilities there is no rational reason why we would ever take God’s credit or
glory. Take a moment now and let the Holy Spirit search your heart for any area
of pride, self-glory, or even shared-glory. Then, in humility and honesty say,
“Not
to me, O Lord, not to me, but
to Your Name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.”
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