Robbing God Of His Glory

 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.” – Malachi 3:8

“ … But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God. Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.” – Acts 5:1-5

Doing good things as a Christian and giving God the credit – is – well ….. Good.  Sacrificing – giving up what the worlds sees of great worth for the good of others is praise worthy. The thing is – the praise belongs to God – not to men.  It is an easy trap to fall in to.  People don’t see God – they see the one who has done the good deed. And when you take credit for something that has a spiritual root – where the glory and praise rightfully belong to God – you are robbing God.  In the case of Ananias and his wife – they made a commitment to men before God and then attempted to deceive men and dishonor God. They wanted to have their cake and eat it too.  Even though they said they would sell the land and give the proceeds to help the Church, they decided they would keep some of the money and tell everyone what they gave was all they received from the sale.  Who would know the difference. And people would be certain to say how spiritual and wonderful they both were.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” – 1 John 2:15-17

There are three sources from which sins springs in a person’s heart – lust of the flesh – lust of the eyes – and the pride of life.  You can always trace sin back to one of the three.  We love the praise of others.  It is affirming and assuring – comforting even – but at what cost. Recognition is not bad – failing to give credit where credit is due – is.

When you do work that is motivated by the Spirit of God, accomplished through personal sacrifice and resourced through the Saints, others very often extend their thanks and admiration for your work. I know of a number of cases when the accomplishment was shared but there was no mention of God.  To a casual reader it might seem that we are doing a good thing – and we are – but is it our good deed when in reality it is an act of faith and demonstration of God’s provision. I know that the intent was not to “blow our own horn” but if we fail to acknowledge God – that is the unintended result. Something I tell people it that the only credit I can take is saying “yes” to God. The call and the capability come from God. It may seem like an inconsequential oversight – but it is not.

Does that seem like a small thing to you? It shouldn’t. If we are involved in ministry, of any sort, our hearts must be right before God. If we are doing what we do to be recognized by men, then we are being carnal – “having a form of godliness but denying the power of God.” 1 Timothy 3:5

I know that a number of people who read these devotions are involved deeply in ministry. I am face with this temptation all the time as I am certain you are.  Be careful my friends. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone