11/04/2019 -
Do we march through life with our heads held high; prideful in our own accomplishments? How about in our spiritual life? Are we arrogant, and proud in all that God, and His Son Jesus have done for us, and claim it as our own success? It is so easy to return from one of life’s many battlefields, and accept not only the credit for having won that war, but to receive the accolades for the victory... when in truth, it was God’s strong right arm that had defeated the enemy that confronted us, and the sacrifice of Jesus that gives us life.
“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
Have you ever watched a sports star after they score a goal? They thump themselves on the chest, point briefly to the sky and then run around shouting with their arms outstretched as they bask in the applause of the crowd. I ask one question... what is truly in their heart at that moment? How about when a golfer sinks the winning put at the end of a tournament, claims victory, and perhaps a green jacket, as they clinch their fist and pump it in victory... what is in their heart, and to whom are they assigning the victory? Sometimes they briefly give God the glory, but in a quick instant the glory is, more often than not, snatched from God’s hand.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
As I was considering this subject today, I was reminded by Charles Spurgeon just how important it is to acknowledge God as the true victor in our lives, and to give Him ALL of the glory. Listen as he writes..
“‘God will not go out with those who march in their own strength. If we count on ourselves for victory, we are wrong — for it is “not by might not by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6). - Charles Spurgeon
When God does amazing things in our spiritual lives it is just the same. Pastors, deacons, and laypersons alike, are not immune to staking claim to God’s victories. As a matter of fact, they are in more danger, as His messenger, and they are in far greater peril than even the “earthly heroes”, who might not know what they do. How great is the fall for those who deliver a wonderful sermon, or pray a corporate prayer that is meant to teach, and is inspired by the Holy Spirit? How dangerous the presumptuous sin...
“Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Psalms 19:12-14 ESV
God knows our hearts, and by this clear vision, He can tell when we are taking the credit for His victories, as opposed to simply thrilling in His use of us.
“You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. O Lord, what great works you do! And how deep are your thoughts. Only a simpleton would not know, and only a fool would not understand this: Though the wicked sprout like weeds and evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.”
Psalms 92:4-7 NLT
One of Satan’s great ploys is to take a person’s haughtiness, and display it to the world. He says to his minions, and those who don’t yet know God... “Look, this was not of God, but of man! How great you people are; so great that you don’t need God!” The dark one is a liar...
“But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.”
Genesis 3:4-6 ESV
So do we believe the lies, and walk around with our heads held high... proclaiming ourselves victors? We should humble ourselves, even on the days of great victory. Listen to the words of Mary whom we call blessed, and yet in her was humility. She tells us this by saying... “ he who is mighty has done great things for me.”
“And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.”
Luke 1:46-50 ESV
And later, we hear Jesus speaking of Glory, and teaching us how to speak too...
“Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.'”
John 8:54 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for all the victories you have won, and the great things you do for us each day. Thank you for teaching us to be humble before you and the world... help us to control our pride, and to give you all praise and glory. Without you Holy Father, we are lost, and our our pride becomes nothing more than stolen treasure; robbed from beneath your throne. Guide us through life Father, and show us how to kneel before you always. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God in whom we find victory through Jesus. Praised be your name Lord because in ourselves we find that we are lacking. We worship you Father, and give you all glory... rooted in the grace you have poured out upon us through Jesus. Great are you in all things, and humbled are we by your power and might... In which we trust always.
“Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.”
Psalms 20:6-8 ESV
Rich Forbes