Give Credit

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

John 1:16

The familiar saying, “Give credit where credit is due” suggests that praise and admiration be given where it is merited.

When God cut Gideon’s army from thirty-two thousand to three hundred men, it was to keep Israel from boasting against God that her own strength had saved her (Judges 7:2). The weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength (1 Corinthians 1:25b). Give credit where credit is due.

When Elisha brought the blinded Arameans inside Samaria, the king of Israel couldn’t believe his eyes. He asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” (2 Kings 6:21). The king wanted to take credit for the victory God had given! He failed to remember that victory rests with the LORD (Proverbs 21:31b).

Within the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21), the rich man produced a good crop and in his arrogance tore down his barns and built bigger ones to store all HIS grain and HIS goods. He took credit and ownership for what belonged to God. We must never forget that it is the LORD who sends a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to (Deuteronomy 28:8a).

How often do we take credit for what only God can do? Children graduate from high school or college, secure amazing careers, have beautiful families that walk with the LORD and some parents’ chests puff at what their hands have done. Although it looks different, other parents take that same credit when children make devastating choices. They hang their heads in shame and wonder what they did wrong. Moms and mentors, this should not be! Yes, we’re responsible to give our very best to the lives that have been entrusted to us. We are God’s instruments to help shape the lives of children. We plant and water seeds, but only God can make them grow (1 Corinthians 3:6)! We can’t take the credit for growth or lack of growth, or when things go well or awry. Everything is a gift. All is grace!

God gives us the great privilege of being His servants. We get to be part of what He is doing. As His instruments and tools of service, we must reject pride and remember our place and position. Think on it: Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it, or the saw boast against him who uses it? As if a rod were to wield him who lifts it up, or a club brandish him who is not wood! (Isaiah 10:15) Give credit where credit is due.

He>i: Have pride or self-sufficiency kept you from giving credit to God alone?

We are but instruments in the hands of the Master–all credit, all honor and all glory belongs to Him and Him alone.

Darrell Creswell

grace and peace,

Lenae