Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 1:31

How important is it for other people to know what you have accomplished in this life? Oh - don't go and get all humble on me? Is it ok for the only people to know the good you have done are the ones that were impacted by what you have done and the Lord?

My wife and I just sat in a a Bible class tonight. The instructor spoke slowly and simply. He told the class that he does the best he can. Almost self denigrating. I took it as an effort to put people at ease. Now he could have opened with a litany of his accomplishments to impress us and affirm why he was the teacher. But he didn't. But, after 20 minutes into the class - the truth was obvious - he was insightful - engaging - effective - and ok if we were not impressed by him.

All too often people want the recognition of others as affirmation that they have value and are appreciated. In Christian ministry - the credit should always be to God. Think about it. God gifted us with Spiritual gifts. He has called us to join Him in what He is doing in the world. We must be willing vessels through which He accomplishes His purposes. Think of a vessel like a decanter. The purpose of the decanter is to hold a liquid. The decanter did not make the liquid. The owner puts the liquid in the decanter that the owner chooses. Then the owner picks the decanter up and pours out the contents. As He chooses. So how could the decanter take credit for the liquid or the pouring of the contents? All of the credit goes to the owner. Not to say that the decanter might not be tempted to take credit. You see - others see the decanter not the owner.

In the same way - how could we take credit for the good done through our obedience to our "owner" - God the Father. All credit or glory goes to God and none to us. Actually, the only thing any of the decanters can take credit for is being willing to be used by God. Saying "yes" to God.

Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret - Matthew 6:1-4

One aspect of our ministry is to encourage widows - in obedience to James 1:27. We don't connect with the widows directly - but through other people who know the widows personally. We refer to it as helping people help people. As part of that ministry we provide a handmade wooden napkin holder with the word "FAITH" engraved on it. Plus we include some cranberry scones in the package. We send the package to our contact person and not directly to the widow unless the two parties don't live in the same town or state. I tell our contacts or sponsors that we don't care if the widows know that our ministry exists. And prefer that they don't. Our goal is to help people help people and let God get the glory. It is a Matthew chapter 6 thing.

We are a vessel that has contents, provided by God, that are being poured out. So far we have helped - encouraged 35 widows and 18 other families. I shared that for purpose of illustration - but we are not advertising it. It is something God has prompted us to do. He gets the credit. If we take take any credit it is that we said "yes" to God. And that's enough.

How about you?

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