01/31/2020
Do we give God honor, worship, and glory for all that is our life? The opportunities that come to us, the food on our table, the children we beget, and the loves we experience in all of their splendor? It is so easy to say “I did this!”, or to accept the glory when someone says of us “Here is a man who has done amazing things!” We do this every day, and if you listen to yourself as you speak you will be led to acknowledge that “I” is your favorite word... it is the most used word of all mankind.
I have often thought on this topic, and have even read the words of pastors as they wrote that one should just say “Thank You” after having prayed for someone, and that person has been healed... aren’t we claiming the honor for God’s work when we do that? Aren’t we inserting the “I”? I have also watched as men and women of faith, some being missionaries, have puffed up their chests at having done God’s will, and claimed for themselves the success of God’s efforts after havIng used His provision, resources, and having worked under His guidance to accomplish His will. Aren’t we inserting the “I” when we do this? Our honor in these things is simply in our being a good and faithful servant who was loving, and obedient, in doing his master’s bidding. To claim otherwise is to be hypocritical as we usurp the glory of God, and accept His worship for ourselves.
“"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1 ESV
The examples we just read are rather flagrant and easy to identify, but what about those that are a bit closer to home? What about a successful business venture, or being placed in a good job? What about having earned a good living, or lived a life in which we were surrounded by faithful people, or received much provision and many blessings? Do we thank God for these things, or just thank Him because we were able to do them for ourselves? Did we still hold tight to the “I” in them? Do we simply see God as the facilitator of our glory, or are we living our lives to bring Him glory?
“And he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”
Luke 16:15 ESV
There have been many nights when I laid in my bed, and marveled at all that God has done for me, have you ever done this? Some of these nights were not happy nights, and were in the midst of great personal sorrow, tragedy, or challenge. As a matter of fact, those were the nights I was shown the deepest truth behind the many blessings I had received, and then, with the “I” stripped from them, and my attention refocused, I was able to give thanks to God. It was then that I was able to find comfort in knowing He was able, trustworthy, and with me... even in those trying times I was blessed.
“"Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”
2 Corinthians 10:17-18 ESV
So, in all things give God the honor, worship, and glory. Praise Him for the most expected breath, or unexpected accomplishment; the unseen beat of our heart, or the highest honor given by men. If Jesus found it necessary, and was able to do this, then who are we to do otherwise? This is what is meant by demonstrating humility, and this is the true meaning of love, worship, and praise. Are we guilty of inserting the “I” into all that God does for us... even into the defeated sin for which Jesus suffered, and the abundant life He provides?
“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:9-10 ESV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for my life, and all that I experience in it. I thank you for being merciful, kind, and good to me, and ask that you help me to yield myself totally to you in every aspect of it. Teach me Father to lay down my pride, and humble myself before you; even as Jesus did. Holy Father let every “I” I speak be in humble acknowledgement to you... I contemplate you, I worship you, I see you in my life, I praise your name, I thank you, I marvel at you, I receive your blessings, and I experience you in all things. These are the true expressions that I desire to give, and live out. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who guides me, and provides all things so that my life might be blessed... even in the hard times, and when confronted by evil, sin, and suffering, you lift me above all harm, and hold me safely in your hand. Praised be your name for every blessing, and worthy are you of my love and worship. All glory is yours Lord, and made perfect by your grace that flows through Jesus Christ, your Son, and my redeemer. Hear my voice of praise now, and forevermore. You are the great “I Am” and the great “I” in all things I am.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
Rich Forbes