All Glory Belongs to God
Isn’t it the most wonderful
feeling when a close friend of yours comes to believe in Christ? Or how about
the warm feeling of satisfaction that fills you as you see your months of hard
preparation for a convocation, seminar or choir presentation finally come to
fruition?
Brothers and sisters might pat you
on the back for your preaching work, might praise your dedication and admire
your commitment. And you in turn, might encourage their praise with a long
personal account of how you introduced your friend to the truth or explain how
you took on challenges and different trials when carrying out various divine
works.
And there it is. The one thing
you’ve forgotten to mention in the midst of all the attention. The one
individual you’ve unwittingly moved to the back seat: God. God who called your
friend to His family; God who gave
you the opportunity to work for Him,
to prepare His convocations and His seminars.
Paul reminded the Corinthian
Christians that “neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but [it
is] God who gives the increase” (1
Cor 3:7). Although we might work hard, dedicate ourselves and commit ourselves
to Him, it is God who makes all things possible. It is God’s hand that shapes
church success and ultimately, God who deserves all our praises and glory.
So the next time a friend agrees
to attend a service or someone praises you for the work you have performed,
remind your fellow brothers and sisters (and remind yourself!) that you are
just a vessel for Him and all the glory belongs to God.
Questions for Reflection:
A brother or sister praises your
work at church: how will you react? What will you say to him/her?
Have you ever felt proud or
enjoyed praises others might give you for church work? How can you give the
glory back to God?
|